Full Notification

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose reports the arrest of Edlink S. Salcedo, 47, of Jersey City, and Keith Cunniffe, 35, of Bayonne, for aggravated arson in an incident that occurred on February 17, 2019.

Members of the Newark Fire Division responded to a vehicle fire at 1211 Broad Street at approximately 1:30 a.m. Firefighters extinguished a white 2004 Chevy van and an arson investigation was initiated to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

Arson investigators obtained video footage of two men, in two separate vehicles, arriving at a gas station on McCarter Highway before the incident. One of the men purchased gasoline in a container, then they both drove to the area where the van was located and poured the gasoline on two parked vans. One van ignited and the men fled.

Investigators identified Salcedo as a suspect in this incident. He was arrested on June 20. Cunniffe was arrested on December 19. Both men face charges of aggravated arson and conspiracy to commit arson.

These charges are merely accusations. Each suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.