Warehouse Fire Set By Paterson Man, 20, Authorities Charge

PATERSON, N.J. -- A fire that destroyed a mixed-use warehouse and three vehicles was deliberately started by a 20-year-old Paterson man who torched one of the cars – and was caught on surveillance video, authorities charged Friday.

Nathan D. Santana (INSET: surveillance photo)
Photo Credit: *IMAGES: Courtesy PASSAIC COUNTY PROSECUTOR*

Jerry DeMarco

06/16/2017 6:43 p.m.

Nathan D. Santana entered one of the cars, parked at 97 East 20th Street, and set it on fire just before 6 a.m. last Saturday, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Fire Chief Michael Postorino said in a joint announcement.

Flames spread to the two-story warehouse, which also contained an office and apartment whose lone tenant got out safely, they said.

Witnesses described a man spotted in the area.

Investigators also released a surveillance image that authorities said helped point to Santana, who surrendered to them on Thursday.

He was later released on a court summons charging him with arson and burglary.

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