MOUNT OLIVE TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – A Flanders teen was charged after he allegedly threw a lit firework from a vehicle that ignited a brush fire in Mount Olive Township on Monday afternoon, according to police.
On Oct. 21, at 4:35 p.m., police responded to Flanders Road following reports of an active brush fire. A passerby had already extinguished the fire by the time police arrived at the scene, officials said.
Witnesses reported seeing a white vehicle traveling down the road when a passenger threw a lit firework from the window, igniting grass and leaves along the roadside, police said.
Through the investigation, the vehicle was identified as a white Ford Fusion, and the passenger was identified as 18-year-old Anthony Harding, police said.
Harding came to police headquarters to speak with officers and was subsequently arrested. He has been charged with criminal mischief and was released pending a court appearance, police said.
