Middletown Man Charged With Arson

Thomas A. Farzan, 30, was charged with Arson and Resisting Arrest after purposely setting his Cherry Tree Farm Lane family’s home on fire, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

At approximately 5:42 p.m., on March 4, the Middletown Township Police and Fire Departments responded to a fire at 161 Cherry Tree Lane. Upon arrival, authorities observed smoke billowing from the home.  Upon attempting to find an entry point to the home, officials noticed a male standing near the back door. Upon questioning, Farzan attempted to flee police and after a brief struggle, was arrested.

An investigation determined that Farzan has been staying at the home where his mother lives. No one was home when police and firemen arrived on the scene.  The incendiary fire was determined to have started in the living room.

Farzan is currently lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution and will have a Detention Hearing before Judge Paul X. Escandon on Tuesday March 10, 2020.

If convicted of third degree Arson, Farzan faces five years in a New Jersey State Prison. If convicted of fourth degree Resisting Arrest, Farzan faces eighteen months in a New Jersey State Prison.

Farzan was arrested for disorderly conduct in September of 2019, according to a Middletown Police blotter.  In July of 2018 he was charged with criminal mischief and detained at the Monmouth County Correctional Instituion.