5/9/2007     7:46 PM

Police responded to a report of a brush fire at 7:46 PM on Wednesday 5/9/07. When officers arrived in the area of Port Street, they learned from an area resident that a vehicle had been seen in the area just prior to the fire being discovered. Two individuals had been seen getting out of a red Ford Explorer. The two entered a wooded area and then returned to the vehicle and left the area. Fire inspectors found evidence at the scene that the fire had been intentionally set. Detectives were called to the scene and were able to obtain identifying information on the suspect vehicle, which led to the suspects. Arrested were 18 year old Antonio M. Pereira of South River, 21 year old Carmen G. Ditrillo Jr. of East Brunswick, and 18 year old Robert C. Sauers of South River. Through the investigation, it was learned that the three were involved with the intentional setting of fires on Edgeboro Road, in a wooded area off Ellison Avenue, and in the wooded area off Port Street. The fires occurred between February 28 and May 9, 2007. The three were also found to have set a brush fire in South Brunswick. There was evidence that all of the fires had been intentionally set. All three were charged with six counts of aggravated arson and bail was set at $5000 each. The investigation was headed by East Brunswick Detective Paul Natalicchio. Assistance was provided by Fire Inspector Joseph Katora of the East Brunswick District 1 Fire Company, Fire Marshall William Johnson of the East Brunswick District 2 Fire Company, and Section Fire Warden John Riegh of the New Jersey State Forestry Service.