N.J. Man Arrested for Allegedly Setting Fire to Apartment and Broadcasting It Live on Social Media

Bergen County authorities say a Lyndhurst citizen is charged with setting his apartment building on fire and streaming it on Facebook. Alexander Pluchino, 42, was charged with purposefully burning cardboard and trash in his Valley Brook Avenue communal stairwell.

As neighbors reported smoke and flames Tuesday morning, an emergency response was called. After 8:25 a.m., Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said cops and firefighters spotted the multi-family building’s stairwell ablaze. Officers swiftly extinguished the fire and found Pluchino.

Pluchino live-streamed a man burning cardboard and flames before emergency crews arrived, authorities said. Investigators say his Facebook page livestreamed the murderous behavior.

Second-degree aggravated arson, third-degree arson, and fourth-degree criminal mischief were filed against Pluchino. He’s accused of inviting widespread injury and failing to extinguish or report a fire. The Bergen County Jail is holding him until his court date, officials said.

His attorney and investigators have not said if anyone was wounded in the building. The fire was doused promptly by police and firemen, but prosecutors said it could have been worse.

Locals are concerned about broadcasting the incident live online and endangering families in the building. As the inquiry proceeds, prosecutors may release further details.

Sources

Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
Local Police Reports