Man accused of setting numerous fires at vacant Camden homes
A man suspected of setting fires at more than a dozen vacant homes in Camden over the July Fourth holiday weekend has been captured.
Camden County authorities say 44-year-old Charles Ricks Jr. is responsible for at least 14 of the 16 fires that were set over a 48-hour period. They also say he may be responsible for some other recent arson fires in the Camden area.
Authorities declined comment on a possible motive and wouldn’t say how the fires were started. They say Ricks was arrested Thursday morning after a police detective saw him walking on a city street.
Seven firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the blazes, but no residents were hurt.
It wasn’t known Saturday if Ricks has retained an attorney. Officials say he has addresses in Camden and Philadelphia.
Ricks faces several counts of aggravated arson.
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