Investigators Say Exterior Blaze At Planet Fitness Was Intentionally Set

Friday, February 13, 2026, 2:45 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP, NJ.- According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, a 38-year-old Berkeley Township, New Jersey, man has been charged in connection with an intentionally set fire at a commercial fitness facility in Toms River earlier this month.

     According to Prosecutor Billhimer, Joseph Mansueto, 38, of Berkeley Township, New Jersey, was formally charged on February 9, 2026, with Aggravated Arson and Criminal Mischief stemming from an incident that occurred during the early morning hours of February 8, 2026, at a Planet Fitness location along Route 37 West in Toms River, New Jersey.

     At approximately 3:40 a.m. on February 8, officers from the Toms River Township Police Department, along with members of the township’s Fire Department, responded to reports of a structure fire at Planet Fitness. Upon arrival, emergency personnel observed a small fire on the building’s exterior.

     Authorities confirmed that the fire was contained to the outside of the structure and did not spread to the interior of the facility. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

     A comprehensive investigation was subsequently launched involving multiple agencies, including the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit–Arson Squad, the Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, the Toms River Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit.

Investigators determined that the fire originated at the southwest exterior corner of the building. The cause was ruled incendiary, with authorities concluding that an unknown individual intentionally ignited available combustibles using an open flame.

     Through continued investigative efforts, law enforcement officials identified Mansueto as the individual responsible for setting the fire.

     On February 9, 2026, Mansueto was taken into custody by officers of the Borough of Beachwood Police Department. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

     Prosecutor Billhimer praised the coordinated efforts of all agencies involved, citing the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit–Arson Squad, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, Borough of Beachwood Police Department, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit for their collective work in advancing the investigation.

     If convicted, the charges carry significant potential prison exposure under New Jersey law. As with all criminal matters, the charges against Mansueto are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Editor’s Note:

This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official statements released by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Criminal charges are accusations only. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.