Story by Ethan
On October 1st, 2025, the arrest of Alexander Pluchino, age 42, was announced by Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Alexander Pluchino was charged with second-degree Aggravated Arson, third-degree Arson, fourth-degree Creating a Risk of Widespread Injury or Damage, fourth-degree Criminal Mischief, and fourth-degree Failure to Take Responsible Measure to Put Out, Control, or Report a Fire. The arrest and charges against Alexander Pluchino were a result of an investigation handled by Chief Matthew Finck of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and Chief Richard Jarvis of the Lyndhurst Police Department.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, a fire was reported at 522 Valley Brook Avenue at approximately 8:25 a.m. on September 30th, 2025. Personnel from the Lyndhurst Police Department and the Lyndhurst Fire Department responded to the scene and located the fire within the residential building’s common stairwell, removing one of the residents that was in the same vicinity as the fire. The resident officers removed was identified as Alexander Pluchino, who was subsequently identified to allegedly be the individual that started the fire by intentionally setting fire to cardboard and other trash.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Alexander Pluchino are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
