News
AH Police Investigating Suspicious Vehicle Fire
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS - Chief Jerry Vasto stated a vehicle fire was reported at approximately 3:30 a.m., August 13 on Third Avenue near East Lincoln Avenue. Several callers to 9-1-1 reported a vehicle exploded in that area.
Upon the arrival of Sergeant David Rossbach and Patrolman Stephen Doherty, they found a 2008 Jeep Liberty, owned by a borough resident, with heavy fire burning on the left rear side of the vehicle. The Atlantic Highlands Fire Department extinguished the fire within 10 minutes. A home, in front of which the vehicle was parked, sustained damage to the exterior vinyl siding due to the intense heat from the fire. The Monmouth County HAZMAT Unit also responded due to the fuel tank rupturing during the fire. The Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad also responded. There were no injuries.
Residents that reside near where the incident occurred reported hearing a "Boom" prior to seeing the fire. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and is considered suspicious. The incident is being investigated by Detective Richard Glietz of Atlantic Highlands Police, Borough Fire Marshal Martin Hawley, Detective Sergeant Brian Veprek of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and Fire Marshal Timmy Smith of the Monmouth County Fire Marshal's Office.
Anyone with information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Atlantic Highlands Police Department at (732) 291-1212 or the Prosecutor's Office Tips Line at (800) 533-7443. All information will be kept confidential.
