Crime & Safety
Report: Alleged Arson Attempt Thwarted by Masonic Center Caretaker
A Morris Township man was charged with breaking into the Morristown lodge, according to NJ.com.
A caretaker at the Morristown Masonic Center fought off a man who police said broke into the lodge carrying containers of gasoline with plans to set the lodge on fire, according to a news report.
Police charged John Mowbray, 50, of Morris Township with aggravated arson, burglary and simple assault in connection with the incident, and Mowbray was taken to the Morris County jail on $100,000 bail, according to NJ.com.
The caretaker, who suffered minor injuries, called police around 10:35 p.m. Friday to report the alleged burglary, and was fighting with Mowbray when police arrived and then took Mowbray into custody, the report says.
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Police are asking anyone with information to call Detective Dennis Bergman at 973-292-6643.
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