FRANKLIN BOROUGH, N.J. (Sussex County) — A Wantage Township man was arrested after allegedly threatening to burn down a Franklin Borough QuickChek during an argument over New Jersey’s bag laws, police said.
Police said the incident occurred on the morning of Aug. 10 at the Route 23 convenience store. During the dispute, the suspect, identified as Joshua J. Dempe, 38, of Wantage Township, allegedly became irate and threatened to return later in the week to burn down the business. He also warned the victim not to return to the store, according to authorities.
Following an investigation, Dempe was arrested on Aug. 12. He was charged with third-degree terroristic threats as well as disorderly conduct, a petty disorderly persons offense, and maintaining a nuisance on commercial property in violation of local ordinances.
Dempe was released pending a court appearance in Sussex County Superior Court, police said.
