Arson arrest in Hamilton, NJ — business sign set on fire

HAMILTON (Mercer) — A Somerset County woman has been charged with arson and criminal mischief in connection with an overnight fire outside of a money transfer business. She allegedly also tried to set another item ablaze while speaking with a detective.

Hamilton Township police say 40-year-old Alicia Schmitter, of Franklin Park, torched an advertisement flag in front of Angie's Multi Services on South Broad Street. First responders were called to the scene at approximately 3:09 a.m. on April 21.

Detective Chris Pullen pulled surveillance video from the scene and observed a suspect setting the business sign ablaze and then walking out of sight. While checking for additional evidence, Pullen saw a female, Schmitter, lying on the sidewalk nearby, wearing clothing that matched the suspect in the video footage.

While speaking with police, she pulled out a lighter and attempted to light a tree branch on fire, authorities say.

Schmitter was identified as the subject in the video and placed under arrest.

Dino Flammia is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com

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