Berkeley Man Set Fire Outside Of Toms River Gym, Prosecutor Says

BERKELEY, NJ — A Berkeley man is accused of setting a fire outside of Planet Fitness in Toms River, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Joseph Mansueto, 38, is charged with aggravated arson and criminal mischief in connection with the Feb. 8 incident, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Authorities went to Planet Fitness on Route 37 West at about 3:40 a.m. for the report of a structure fire. The small fire was entirely contained to the building's exterior, Billhimer said.

Investigation found that the fire originated on the exterior southwest corner of the building. The cause of the fire was determined to be incendiary by an unknown person utilizing an open flame to available combustibles, Billhimer said. Further investigation identified Mansueto as the individual responsible for setting the fire, Billhimer said.

Mansueto was taken into custody on Feb. 9 and taken to Ocean County Jail where he remains pending a detention hearing.