April 22, 2022

HAMILTON, NJ (MERCER)–Hamilton Police say that on April 21, 2022 at approximately 3:09 a.m. Officers were dispatched along with the Hamilton Fire Department to the 1800 block of South Broad Street on a report of a pole on fire.  An advertisement flag in front of Angie’s Multi Services was set on fire by an unknown party.  Detective Chris Pullen reviewed video surveillance from the scene and observed a suspect wearing black pants, light colored boots, and a dark jacket with a hood utilize a lighter and set the business sign on fire.  The suspect then walked out of sight.  While checking for additional video surveillance Detective Pullen saw a female lying on the sidewalk nearby wearing clothing that matched the suspect in the surveillance.  While speaking with the female she pulled out a lighter and attempted to light a tree branch on fire.  She was identified as the suspect in the video surveillance and placed under arrest.

The female was identified as Alicia Schmitter, 40, of Franklin Park.  She was charged with Arson and Criminal Mischief.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Chris Pullen of the Hamilton Police Division’s Criminal Investigations Section at 609-581-4080 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at 609-581-4008.

Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Alicia Schmitter, 40, of Franklin Park was charged with Arson and Criminal Mischief.