Authorities Allege Suspect Set Clothing Ablaze On Hotel Stove Before Fleeing Toward New York City; Arrested Hours Later in Manhattan
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:00 A.M., ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ.- A 36-year-old Pennsylvania man has been charged with multiple arson-related offenses following an alleged attempt to set fire to a hotel room at the Residence Inn by Marriott East Rutherford Meadowlands, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced.
Sean P. McDermott, who authorities say has recent addresses in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, and East Moriches, New York, faces charges of second-degree attempted aggravated arson, third-degree attempted arson, and fourth-degree recklessly creating a risk of widespread injury or damage.
According to officials, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at approximately 10:35 a.m., the East Rutherford Police Department responded to reports of unusual activity inside the hotel.
Hotel staff alerted responding officers after detecting an odor of burning from one of the guestrooms. Upon entering the room, the staff discovered clothing placed in a pot on an electric stove that had been turned on. The clothing had begun to burn but had not yet fully ignited.
Authorities allege that McDermott, a registered guest at the hotel, intentionally placed the clothing in the pot, activated the stove, and left the premises before the fire could fully develop.
Hotel employees shut off the stove before flames spread beyond the pot, preventing what investigators say could have escalated into a larger fire within the multi-story lodging facility. No injuries were reported.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad was notified and responded to the scene, initiating a joint investigation with the East Rutherford Police Department under the direction of Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella and Chief Jeff Angermeyer.
As a result of the investigation, McDermott was charged with:
- Second-degree Attempted Aggravated Arson
- Third-degree Attempted Arson
- Fourth-degree Recklessly Creating a Risk of Widespread Injury or Damage
Under New Jersey law, a second-degree offense carries a potential sentence of five to ten years in state prison if convicted. Third-degree crimes are punishable by three to five years of incarceration, and fourth-degree offenses may result in up to 18 months in prison.
Investigators determined that after departing the hotel, McDermott traveled toward New York City. The New York City Police Department was notified of the investigation.
Later that same day, February 25, 2026, McDermott was located in Manhattan by NYPD officers and placed under arrest without incident. He remains in the custody of New York State authorities pending extradition proceedings to Bergen County, New Jersey.
Prosecutor Musella thanked the East Rutherford Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the Jersey City Police Department, the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department in Pennsylvania, and the Port Authority Police Department in locating the defendant.
“The charges are merely accusations,” Prosecutor Musella stated. “The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional information regarding a possible motive.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and all information contained in this report is based on official statements released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and cooperating law enforcement agencies as of February 28, 2026. Englebrook Independent News will continue to monitor developments, including extradition proceedings and future court appearances. All charges referenced in this article are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
