42-Year-Old Haddon Township Man Charged In Haddonfield Arson & Medford Township Vandalism

Monday, May 20, 2024, 9:30 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HADDONFIELD, NJ.- Camden County Prosecutor Grace C. MacAulay reported, that a 42-year-old Haddon Township, New Jersey was taken into custody and charged on Friday in connection with the October 2023, fire of a motor vehicle that occurred in Haddonfield and a vandalism incident that occurred in Burlington County in June 2019.

     According to authorities, Michael McNeely was taken into custody on Friday, May 17, 2024, with second-degree Aggravated Arson; and third-degree Criminal Mischief in reference to an October 2023 motor vehicle fire in Haddonfield, New Jersey.

     Additionally, McNeely was charged with fourth-degree Criminal Mischief; and a Disorderly Persons Offense of Harassment for a November 2023 vandalism in Medford Township, New Jersey. McNeely has also been charged with fourth-degree Stalking that occurred on various dates from 2019 to 2023 in Haddonfield and Medford Township.

     The charges stem from an investigation that began on October 21, 2023, when members of the Haddonfield Police Department responded to the 1000 Block of Concord Circle on a 911 Emergency Call reporting a motor vehicle that had been set on fire. Surveillance video captured a suspect pouring gasoline onto the vehicle and lighting it on fire.

     Previously, Police Officers had responded to two other motor vehicle fires that had occurred at the same residence on Concord Circle on October 18, 2017, and June 25, 2021. The investigation into those two fires remains active and ongoing. Additionally, Police Officers responded to the same residence on June 20, 2019, after receiving a report of a concrete block thrown through a window.

     On November 9, 2023, Police Officers from the Medford Township Police Department responded to the Unit Block of High Point Drive following a report that a bench had been vandalized by spray paint. 

     During the investigation, Detectives used digital evidence to identify McNeely as the individual responsible for setting the car on fire and the vandalism.

     After being taken into custody, McNeely was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility pending future court proceedings in Camden County Superior Court in Camden, New Jersey.

“The rules of the court requires us to include a statement, that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”