New Rochelle Man Charged with Arson in New Jersey for Setting Fire to His Own Car to Collect Insurance

Written By: Robert Cox

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (March 25, 2023) — The New Rochelle Police Department and Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department conducted an investigation led by the Bergen County (New Jersey) Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit leading to the arrest of a New Rochelle man on arson charges. The man is accused of for settling fire to his own vehicle on a parkway in Englewood Cliffs, NJ to collect insurance.

Police narrative: On Thursday, February 9, 2023 at approximately 12:34 a.m., the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department responded to a vehicle fire on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Responding officers found a 2010 Nissan Altima fully engulfed in flames and subsequently suppressed the fire. Further investigation revealed that Tramaine Hayward was the owner of the vehicle and had intentionally set the vehicle on fire.

As a result of the investigation, Tramaine Hayward was arrested and remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.

Arrest & Charges:

Tramaine Hayward, 46, of 45 May Street in New Rochelle, NY.

  • Aggravated Arson – 2
  • Arson – 3

The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Jason Love, the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department under the direction of Chief Steven Shallop, and the New Rochelle Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Robert Gazzola.