Brick Township, NJ – Richard Shashaty, 37, from Brick Township, faces arson charges after allegedly causing a wildfire at a Jackson Township rifle range. Prosecutors say Shashaty’s use of illegal ammunition at the range sparked the 350-acre blaze on November 6.
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and New Jersey DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette, the fire erupted at approximately 12:15 p.m. near the Central Jersey Rifle Range. Local police and fire officials, along with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service, responded promptly, but the fire continued to spread.
Investigators identified the fire’s origin behind a berm at the rifle range. They determined that prohibited Dragon’s Breath ammunition, known for producing high-temperature sparks, ignited dry vegetation. New Jersey law prohibits using incendiary rounds, such as Dragon’s Breath, due to their potential to cause fires. After a thorough investigation, Shashaty was allegedly found to be responsible for discharging the ammunition.
Shashaty turned himself in on November 9 and is currently detained pending a court hearing. Prosecutor Billhimer credited multiple law enforcement agencies for their combined investigative efforts.
All charges remain accusations, and Shashaty is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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