Arrest made in connection with an Arson Investigation in Franklin Township

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Meredith McKay, and Franklin Township Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks announced the arrest of Perfecto Quintana aka Perfecto Quintana Montes, age 56, of New Brunswick, New Jersey in relation to a residential arson that occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Friday, October 2, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Franklin Township Police Department was dispatched to a call reporting an active residential fire on Home Street in Somerset, New Jersey. The residential structure consisted of four individual apartments, one of which was on fire. Fire companies from East Franklin, Community Volunteer, Somerset Fire and Rescue, and New Brunswick Fire Department responded to assist in extinguishing the one-alarm fire.

The fire caused damage to the building resulting in the displacement of three families consisting of eleven adults and four juveniles. A dog and a cat were discovered in the residence with the fire.

Although efforts were made to provide care for the animals, both were subsequently pronounced deceased by Franklin Township Animal Control who also responded to the scene to assist. There were no reported injuries by the residents of the building. The American Red Cross responded to assist the families in need of temporary shelter.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department along with detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigation Unit, Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Fire Investigation Unit responded to assist Franklin Township Fire Officials and the New Jersey State Fire Marshall’s Office in investigating the fire once it was extinguished.

As part of this investigation, a video canvass was conducted which led to the development of a suspect, later identified as Perfecto Quintana aka Perfecto Quintana Montes. It was determined that Quintana was seen arriving at the residence in his vehicle prior to the fire. Upon his arrival, Quintana is seen approaching the apartment building while carefully carrying a container close to his body. Quintana ascends a staircase that leads in the direction of the apartment. A short time later, Quintana is seen descending the same staircase carrying the pitcher, which now appears to be empty, with one hand. Quintana returns to his vehicle and leaves the area. Within minutes, calls are received by the Franklin Township Police Department reporting a fire to the building.

While on scene during this investigation, members of the crowd alerted police to the presence of Quintana driving in the area. Officers from Franklin Township police conducted a stop on Quintana who was observed displaying signs of intoxication. Quintana was taken into custody and transported to the Franklin Twp Police Department.

Prosecutor McDonald stated that Perfecto Quintana aka Perfecto Quintana Montes was arrested and charged with 2nd degree, Aggravated Arson, 2nd degree, Residential Burglary, 4th degree, Criminal Mischief, 4th degree, Criminal Contempt and two counts of 4th degree, Animal Cruelty.

Defendant Quintana was lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a court hearing on this matter.

Prosecutor McDonald, Chief McKay, and Public Safety Director Fredericks request anyone with information relating to this investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at (908) 231-7100 or the Franklin Township Police Department at (732) 873-5533 or via OPS Tips. OPS Tips allows citizens to enter SCPO.TIPS as the URL into the address bar of any internet enabled device to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All tips will be kept confidential.

Note: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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