Residents at Cherry Lane Estates are terrorized by a string of arsons at the mobile home park in Somerset County.
“That’s not how we should have to live. This is crazy,” Michelle Lewis said, in tears.
Lewis lives in the park and said she’s terrified that police haven’t caught whomever is responsible. Lewis said kids in the neighborhood –including her grandchildren– are scared, too.
“For my babies not to feel safe being here with me this year, I’m through with this,” said Lewis.
Somerset Borough Police said another mobile home located at 197 Cherry Lane was intentionally set on fire Sunday night around midnight. This will be the eighth arson in the mobile home community since May 3. No one has been injured in any of the fires.
Police do not have any suspects. However, one person was detained and questioned by police Monday morning, before the individual was released.
“We believe the same party or parties is responsible for each of the fires,” said Somerset Borough Police Chief Randy Cox.
Another neighbor, Mary Rugg, said she’s too afraid to sleep.
“I’m really concerned. I’m scared. All I do is I sit and cry. I don’t know what to do. I’m really concerned for everybody,” Rugg said. “I’m going to do anything I can. We got to catch the people who’s doing it before they seriously hurt somebody.”
“It’s got to stop before it gets any worse, before somebody does die,” said Lewis.
Police are asking neighbors to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior.
“The fact that the arsons are continuing and we have not made an arrest is frustrating to the officers,” said Chief Cox. “I don’t know if they’re going to stop. My guess is, they probably won’t. I expect further fires until we’re able to make an arrest.”