Dover arson suspect arrested in New Jersey

DOVER — A Dover man suspected in a Sept. 26 arson and home invasion was arrested in Irvington, New Jersey, on Wednesday, Dover police spokesman Sgt. Mark Hoffman said.

Dondre Atkins was taken into custody without incident by the U.S. Marshals Service’s First State Fugitive Task Force with assistance from the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. He is being held in New Jersey pending his extradition to Delaware.

Police said the arrest was connected to an incident in the 400 block of New Castle Avenue. According to Sgt. Hoffman, authorities were called to the scene, but residents had extinguished the fire prior to their arrival. No injuries resulted.

Police allege that Mr. Atkins, 32 at the time, opened an unsecured window and lit curtains on fire in a room where a juvenile was sleeping, before fleeing the scene.

Following the fire, Sgt. Hoffman said Mr. Atkins was facing charges of first-degree arson, home invasion, first-degree burglary, first-degree reckless endangering (five counts) and criminal mischief.