23-Year-Old Charged with Aggravated Arson, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Restraint Following July 19 Fire Beneath Tonnelle Avenue Underpass

JERSEY CITY, NJ (July 20, 2026) — The Jersey City Police Department arrested a 23-year-old Jersey City woman following an investigation into an alleged arson incident beneath the Tonnelle Avenue underpass on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

At approximately 2:39 p.m., the Jersey City Central Communications Bureau received a report of a fire near 276 Tonnelle Avenue.  Responding officers observed flames beneath the underpass, which members of the Jersey City Fire Department worked to contain.

According to the preliminary investigation, a 57-year-old man was sleeping in a confined area behind a guardrail when he awoke to the fire.  As he attempted to extinguish the flames with his feet, he allegedly observed a woman pour an unknown liquid onto the fire, causing it to spread.

The woman allegedly attempted to prevent the victim from escaping and calling for help.  The victim was not seriously injured by the fire but may have been assaulted by the suspect as he attempted to escape.  The victim refused any medical attention on scene.

JCPD issued a BOLO containing the suspect’s description.  At approximately 8:32 p.m., officers located and apprehended the suspect after she returned to the scene.

Janet Leigh Mullone, 23, of Jersey City, was arrested and charged with:

• Aggravated Arson
• Aggravated Assault
• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
• Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
• Criminal Restraint

“This arrest reflects the swift coordination between our police officers, firefighters, and investigators,” said Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.  “Their response helped prevent further harm and ensured the suspect was taken into custody within hours.”

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Mayor James Solomon commends the swift, proactive police work by Jersey City Police Officers this week that led to five arrests following a violent robbery attempt involving approximately $3,000 in designer merchandise.

While patrolling the nearby housing unit on April 13, JCPD officers observed a disturbance near Summit Avenue and immediately intervened, stopping an active incident before further harm could occur.  The investigation determined the suspects arranged to meet the victim for a sale before assaulting him and attempting to take his property.

“This is exactly the kind of proactive, on-the-ground policing that keeps Jersey City safe.  Our officers stepped in at the right moment, prevented further violence, and ensured those responsible were held accountable,” said Mayor Solomon.  “We will continue to support strategies that prioritize swift response, strong enforcement, and the safety of every resident.”

“This was a fast-moving, violent situation that had the potential to escalate quickly.  Our officers recognized it in real time, intervened without hesitation, and took decisive action to stop it.  That is what effective policing looks like,” added Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

The victim sustained minor injuries, including abrasions and bruising, and refused further medical treatment.

The driver, Erik Lagunas, was issued multiple summonses, including leaving the scene of an accident and driving with a suspended license.  Additionally, the 18-year-old Paterson resident was arrested and charged with the following:

• Conspiracy
• Robbery
• Simple assault
• Assault by auto
• Possession of a weapon
• Kidnapping
• Aggravated assault

The other 4 actors were charged with conspiracy, robbery, and simple assault.  In addition to the juvenile actor, a 17 year old Clifton, the 3 suspects arrested are:

• Carmelo Greene, 21 of Paterson
• Kelvin Pichardo, 27 of Paterson
• Emil Nauffal Gutierrez, 21 of Clifton

The investigations remain active.

Anyone with information related to this or other incidents is asked to contact the Jersey City Police Department or submit tips anonymously through email at policetips@njjcps.org or by calling 855-JCP-TIPS

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Solomon Administration’s Focused Enforcement Results in 32 Firearms Recovered Citywide

Just two months into 2026, the Jersey City Police Department has made 17 arrests for unlawful possession of a handgun, as part of focused enforcement efforts targeting illegal handguns.  In connection with those arrests, officers safely recovered nine firearms.

Among the weapons recovered was a “ghost gun” assembled without a serial number and a firearm that investigators have connected to three separate cases involving the same actor.  All were charged under New Jersey law with unlawful possession of a handgun.

Citywide, a total of 32 firearms have been removed from circulation so far this year.  The enforcement results reflect the Solomon Administration’s commitment to proactive public safety.

“Every illegal firearm taken off the street represents a potential act of violence prevented,” said Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.  “Our strategy is clear.  We are identifying illegal weapons, intervening early, and holding individuals accountable before those firearms can be used to harm someone else.  This is about prevention, not reaction.”

“Our officers are removing these firearms from our neighborhoods without using their service weapons, placing themselves in harm’s way to prevent further violence.  That is disciplined policing focused on protection, not escalation,” said Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.  “We are sending a clear message that carrying an unlawful handgun in Jersey City will result in arrest.”

In the coming weeks, the Administration will advance several additional public safety initiatives to further strengthen crime reduction efforts, including patrol restructuring to enhance on-the-ground deployment and the reorganization of 911 dispatch operations to improve response times and coordination.

The Jersey City Police Department continues to encourage residents to report suspicious activity.  Community cooperation remains a critical component in preventing gun violence and ensuring safe neighborhoods across the city.

Anyone with information related to these or other incidents is asked to contact the Jersey City Police Department or submit tips anonymously through email at policetips@njjcps.org or by calling 855-JCP-TIPS.

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 Mayor Steven M. Fulop joined Public Safety Director James Shea, Police Director Tawana Moody, and Police Chief Michael Kelly to announce the promotion of 20 Captains, 20 Lieutenants, and 35 Sergeants in the Jersey City Police Department. These promotions achieve more diversity within the ranks, including the highest-ranking Hispanic female and highest-ranking African American female within the entire department. 

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Consistent with The Mayorâ€s Pledge per President Obama, Jersey City clarifies and amends JCPD General Orders

Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Public Safety Director James Shea announced today that the “Use of Force” General Order for the Jersey City Police Department will be amended where necessary and clarified where necessary to be consistent with best practices.

“I took the pledge last night when President Obama asked mayors to step up and we are starting on Day 1 with changes and clarification where needed” said Mayor Fulop.  “We have the best police department anywhere in the country and when it is possible to be even better, we will take steps to get there.”

Over the next few weeks the Mayor will work in conjunction with the City Council and the community to make sure that Jersey City remains a national leader with regards to policing policy.

Frequently Asked JCPD General Orders & Guidelines:

1)      Require De-Escalation

See JCPD G.O. 02-16BACKGROUND. In using force, the utmost restraint should be exercised.  The degree of force employed in any situation should be only that reasonably necessary.  Officers should exhaust all other reasonable means before resorting to the use of force.  (p.1) However, please see “The Use of Force Continuum” (p.3-4) The use of force continuum is similar to a progressive set of steps in which an officer would ideally take one step at a time.  However, the circumstances presented to an officer may dictate the skipping of any number of intermediate steps and immediately may necessitate jumping to a higher step in order to effectively and safely protect him/herself and./or others.  (p. 3-4)

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Festivities Include Food Tasting and Judging of Contestants†Dishes, Food Trucks, Childrenâ€s Activities, Music and More; All Proceeds to Benefit Charity

Contestants from the Jersey City Police Department, Fire
Department, EMTs and Hudson County Corrections officers will face-off in the 2^nd annual Jersey City First Responders Charity Cook-off.  With each ticket, attendees will get to taste each of the prepared dishes and vote for their favorite. 

All proceeds will benefit a charity of the groups†choosing: The Jersey City Firefighters Family Assistance Fund, the Police Unity Tour, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and The Code Green Campaign, as well as $5 from every ticket sold going to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.  Festivities also include music, childrenâ€s activities, food trucks, and more while enjoying a great fall day in the Beaconâ€s Overlook park with views of Jersey City and New York Cit   Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

 The Beacon

  20 Beacon Way

Jersey City, NJ 07304

 Jersey City Police Officers

 Jersey City Firefighters

 Jersey City EMTs

Hudson County Corrections Officer

Jersey City Mayor Steven F. Fulop

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 Events to Continue Strengthening Relationships with the Community

All are Welcome to Enjoy Live Music, Kids Entertainment, Giveaways, Safety Awareness Education, and More at the 33^rd annual

“Americaâ€s Night Out Against Crime” Event

 Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Jersey City Police Department announce the return of the successful community-building event, National Night Out.  This yearâ€s festivities will take place in four different parks throughout the city.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.  Each park will have a DJ and other live music, food, beverages, giveaways for kids, bounce houses, and other materials to promote safety awareness from participating local and community organizations.

The annual National Night Out campaign was established in 1984 to strengthen police and community relations under positive circumstances. For Jersey City, the event has become part of a greater effort by the Fulop administration to help the police department connect with residents through these types of programs along with increasing police presence, opening lines of communication, and fostering active relationships between the police and the community.

  Tuesday, August 1st, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

 Audubon Park – 18 Audubon Avenue, Jersey City, NJ

Arlington Park – Grand Street & Arlington Avenue, Jersey City, NJ

 Hamilton Park – Jersey Avenue between 8^th & 9^th Streets, Jersey City, NJ

 Pershing Field – 201 Central Avenue, Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Jersey City Police Department,   Community Organizations

www.njjcpd.org/node/9

www.cityofjerseycity.com

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Fulop Administrations Grows Jersey City Police Department to Largest Size in Two Decades; Graduating Class Brings Department to 932 Officers

  Mayor Steven M. Fulop will swear in 25 new Jersey City police officers at a graduation ceremony at City Hall on Thursday. This latest class brings the size of the department to 932 total officers, its largest size in two decades. The Fulop administration has hired over 300 officers since 2013, increasing visibility and allowing for added walking posts in areas where they are needed most.  Continuing the administrationâ€s priority on diversity recruitment, the 25 new graduates also include thirteen Hispanic officers, three African-American officers, and two Asian officers.  And with five females now joining the department, this class marks one of the largest amounts of female officers graduating from a single class.  Another class of officers currently in the Police Academy will allow for an additional 24 officers to graduate this fall, bringing the department closer to Mayor Fulopâ€s goal of 950 officers.

    Thursday June 8th, 2017 at 11 a.m.

   Council Chambers, City Hall

 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop

Director of Public Safety James Shea

Jersey City Police Department leadership

Graduating Officers

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