Fire investigation leads to charges in Monroe Township

Monroe Township, NJ – The Monroe Township Police Department responded to a fire at a multi-unit residence on South Main Street on Thursday. The incident occurred around 5:17 a.m.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire and the fire was deemed suspicious by the fire marshal. The MTPD Detective Bureau, supported by fire department personnel, launched an investigation. Around 8:15 a.m., a suspect was identified and apprehended.

Tobin N. Watson was charged with one count of arson under 2C:17-1b(2). Watson was also found to be involved in a theft at a nearby business and was subsequently charged with one count of theft under 2C:20-3a. Watson is being held in the Salem County Jail on outstanding arrest warrants.

Authorities remind the public that those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Anonymous tips can be reported to 856-875-2940, although they are not constantly monitored, and in an emergency, residents should contact 911 directly or MTPD at 856-728-0800.

Monroe Township, NJ – An incident at Williamstown High School on Friday morning sparked a significant response from local law enforcement. A call for officer assistance was made around 9:08 a.m. after the school resource officer was assaulted by a student and parent in the lobby.

The altercation also involved an assault on a faculty member. In response to the incident, an adult and a juvenile were arrested by authorities. Injuries suffered by the school resource officer included injuries to his face and hands.

At no time during the unrest were students in danger. The school was temporarily closed, but services later resumed as normal. As the investigation is ongoing, no additional details have been released at this time.

The Monroe Township Police Department emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward violence on school grounds. This policy extends to actions involving both parents and students.

Wilkes-Barre, PA – The City of Wilkes-Barre Police Department responded to a domestic dispute involving a Protection From Abuse (PFA) violation. The incident occurred on October 11 at 9:47 a.m. on North Sherman Street.

Julian Garcia Portorreal, 23, of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was identified as a defendant in the incident. The victim, a 46-year-old man also from Wilkes-Barre, reported the situation to authorities.

Upon arrival, officers determined that Portoreal was at the victim’s home. This presence constituted a violation of a protection order previously filed by the victim.

Police confirmed the validity of the PFA and took Portorreal into custody without incident. He was then transported to the city headquarters for processing and arraignment.