Erik Gall intended to kill when he set an early-morning fire on Firth Street, authorities said.
The 22-year-old accused of intentionally setting an early-morning fire three months ago in Phillipsburg has been indicted on charges of attempted murder and aggravated arson.
Erik J. Gall, of Milford in Hunterdon County, allegedly intended to kill a woman inside the home at 309 Firth St., which caught fire about 2:50 a.m. Dec. 20.
Erik J. Gall, 22, of Milford, N.J., is charged with attempted murder and aggravated arson. He allegedly set a Dec. 20 fire at 309 Firth Street in Phillipsburg. (Courtesy photo) Flames were reportedly visible when authorities arrived at the address, across from a town fire station. It took the approximately 60 town firefighters about 30 minutes to get the blaze under control.
Phillipsburg police evacuated residents from both 309 and the attached home at 311 Firth St. before firefighters arrived. A resident and firefighter suffered minor injuries.
This week, Gall was indicted on one count of first-degree attempted murder and two counts of second-degree aggravated arson. One arson charge alleges Gall knowingly put people in danger while the other says he intended to destroy a building.
Gall remains at the Warren County jail. The attempted murder charge carries a possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted, while maximum penalty on each of the arson charges is 10 years.
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Gall is a Delaware Valley Regional High School graduate who was attending Raritan Valley Community College, according to his Facebook page. Authorities have said he is not suspected of setting other fires.
The Firth Street fire happened less than a week after another in town claimed the life of 58-year-old substitute teacher Linda Pike. That fire was ruled an accident, caused by an electrical malfunction.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.