Arrest - Burglary, Theft, Attempted Aggravated Arson, Attempted to Cause or Risking Widespread Injury or Damage, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Lt. Robert Osborn
area of the U-Save Quick Mart at 65 Sparta Avenue for a report of a
dispute. Upon arrival at the gas station, responding officers
determined that the business had been burglarized via a broken front
plate glass door. Subsequent investigation coupled with witness
statements and a search of the immediate area resulted in the arrest
of Christopher Medore, age 27, of South Morris Street, Dover, N.J.
for the theft of over $1,000 cash, a digital camera, numerous scratch-
off lottery tickets and several packs of cigarettes and cigars. All
stolen items were recovered and retained as evidence. A search of the
interior of the business revealed that Medore had also poured an
accelerant (octane fuel injector cleaner) throughout the store and put
a propane tank inside the business in an apparent attempt to ignite a
fire . A search incident to arrest also found that Medore was in
possession of a crack cocaine pipe in addition to some of the proceeds
of the theft.
As a result, Medore was charged with the following offenses:
Attempted Causing/Risking Widespread Injury or Damage N.J.S. 2C:
17-2a(1) 2nd degree
Attempted Aggravated Arson 2C:17-1a(2) 2nd degree
Criminal Mischief N.J.S. 2C:17:3a 4th degree
Theft of Moveable Property N.J.S. 2C:20-3a 3rd degree
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia N.J.S. 2C:36-2 Disorderly Persons
Burglary N.J.S. 2C:18-2B(2) 2nd degree
Medore was lodged in the Sussex County Jail in default of $162,500.00
no 10% bail. Case is pending a 10/9/07 appearance in Newton Municipal
Court.
The Newton Fire Department and the Sussex County Board of Health
responded to the scene to assist as a precautionary measure.
Investigation is continuing and anyone having information pertaining
to this incident is requested to contact the Newton Police Department
at 973-383-2525. .