Glen Ridge Teen Accused of Igniting Fire With Molotov Cocktail

A Glen Ridge teen has been accused of igniting a fire outside a Clinton Road home with a Molotov cocktail during the early-morning hours on Sunday, authorities said.

James Fiol, 18, has been charged with arson, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and criminal mischief. Fiol is being held on $10,000 bail.

According to a report from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Glen Ridge police and the Montclair Fire Department responded to a Clinton Road residence on reports of a fire at about 1:20 a.m. Sunday.

Arriving officers saw a small fire on the lawn, which quickly was extinguished. Officers discovered a Molotov cocktail—an improvised explosive device contained within a bottle—at the scene, the report said. 

Officials said there were no injuries and no substantial damage to the residence.  
An investigation involving the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Glen Ridge Police Department’s detective bureau led authorities to Fiol. That probe is ongoing, the prosecutor's office said.

Officials believe this was an isolated incident and there is no known connection between Fiol and the residents of the Clinton Road home, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prosecutor’s Major Crimes Task Force at 877-847-7432 and 973-621-4586.