Exxon Fire Thought to be Arson

The fire on at 3514 Old Bridge Road is now thought to be a case of arson, and police have charged Donald Dean Warren, 33, with both arson and armed robbery.

Police originally responded to the Exxon at 11:49 p.m. after an Exxon employee reported to police that an unknown man entered the store, "implied that he had a handgun" and proceeded to rob the store of some U.S. Currency, according to the police report.

While police were investigating the robbery, a citizen told police that the car wash area was on fire. After evacuating customers from the car wash area, police found the accused after witnesses near the Dillingham Square Shopping Center provided them with a description.

Police found that the accused had probably set fire to the clothing that had been used in the robbery. Though the damages totaled about $300,000, there were no injuries.

Warren has been charged with robbery, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and arson. His court date is Nov. 16. He is being held without bond.