On June 27, 2019 two individuals were taken into custody and subsequently charged with intentionally setting fire to the playground equipment at the Charles Bowen Recreational Complex, in addition to defiant trespassing and creating dangerous conditions at the John H. Glenn Elementary School.
Through our committed partnership with the Pine Hill School District, Detectives reviewed video footage from John H. Glenn Elementary School security cameras and located footage of the suspects lighting several fires on the ground, benches and playground equipment on school property shortly after 2:00am on June 22, 2019. The suspects fled the area after a vehicle drove through the parking area of the school.
Continued investigation by the Pine Hill Detective Bureau and Pine Hill Fire Marshal led to the arrest of both suspects on the following charges;
Christian Taunitas
21 years of age
Unit block of Kirk Lane, Pine Hill
Charges related to the Charles Bowen Recreational Complex Fire
- Conspiracy to Commit Arson 3rd degree
- Failure to Control or Report a Dangerous Fire 4th Degree
- Defiant Trespassing Petty Disorderly Persons
Charges related to the John H. Glenn Elementary School Fire
- Criminal Trespassing 4th Degree
- Creating a Dangerous Condition Petty Disorderly Persons (3 counts)
16 year old Juvenile
Pine Hill
Charges related to the Charles Bowen Recreational Field
- Arson 3rd Degree
- Conspiracy to Commit Arson 3rd Degree
- Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree
- Failure to Control or Report a Dangerous Fire 4th Degree
- Defiant Trespassing Petty Disorderly Persons
Charges related to the John H. Glenn Elementary School
- Criminal Trespassing 4th Degree
- Creating a Dangerous Condition Petty Disorderly Persons (3 counts)
Christian Taunitis was processed and remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility. The 16 year old juvenile was processed and remanded to the Camden County Juvenile Detention Center, both pending court appearances.
Investigations such as this rely on our community partners, our residents and all stakeholders to assist in gathering the necessary information to bring about a successful conclusion.
We thank the Pine Hill School District and Pine Hill Fire District for their continued partnership and all of those who shared the information about the incident at the Charles Bowen Recreational Complex on social media and other outlets. |
