The suspect tied to a Beachwood shed fire in May is also accused of attacking a hospital nurse the following month.

Robert Houser (Ocean Co. Dept. of Corrections)
Robert Houser (Ocean Co. Dept. of Corrections)
loading...

Robert A. Houser, 40, of Toms River, is charged with aggravated arson and assault for the separate incidents, according to the office of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato.

Authorities assert that Houser owns the Chevrolet Express van seen leaving the area of the fire just off Atlantic City Boulevard on May 19. A witness described a man hurrying from the site, holding a gas can, and driving off in the van.

Houser was believed to have left the state. Investigators said that a family matter brought him back to Toms River, where he allegedly assaulted a nurse at Community Medical Center on June 15.

Toms River police charged him the same day in connection with the assault incident, then transferred him to Beachwood to answer for the arson count.

Houser was placed in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River, with bail set at $50,000 for the arson charge, and $5,000 for the assault count, cash only, with no 10-percent payment option for release.

The Prosecutor's Office reminds that charges are accusations, and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

More From 92.7 WOBM