Philly man accused of predawn rampage in Berlin Township
BERLIN TWP. - A Philadelphia man is accused of setting fire to a vape shop and damaging other businesses during a predawn rampage here.
The spree allegedly began when Hector Herrington, 33, ran out of gas while driving a rental truck on Route 73, then argued with a female companion and began breaking windows at nearby shops, according to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.
Berlin Township police officers responded around 3:45 a.m. Tuesday to multiple fires sending heavy smoke from the Pure Puff Lifestyle Shop on the 500 block of the highway.
Police also found rocks had been thrown through the windows of five businesses — Tullia’s Italian Restaurant, Burger King, Imported Car Care Center, Red, White & Blue Thrift Shop, and B-Tan Tanning Salon.
During the attempted theft of a car from Imported Car Care Center, the prosecutor’s office alleged, “Herrington rammed the vehicle into the business’s metal gates in an attempt to exit the fenced yard."
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Herrington is also accused of burglarizing several parked vehicles.
No injuries were reported at any of the businesses, but Pure Puff Lifestyle Shop has been closed temporarily.
"Well karma struck quickly," the business said in a Facebook post that noted the quick arrest.
"We will be bringing PurePuff.com back up shortly," said the post. "Please (bear) with us as we navigate through these difficult times."
Herrington was charged with aggravated arson, three counts each of burglary and attempted burglary.
He also faces six counts of criminal mischief and individual counts of theft of a motor vehicle and a credit card.
The charges are only allegations. Herrington has not been convicted in the case.
Anyone with information is asked to call Prosecutor's Detective Tanner Ogilvie at 856-580-5819 or Berlin Township Police Detective Brian Lex at 856-767-5878, extension 235.
Tips can emailed to ccpotips@ccprosecutor.org.
Jim Walsh covers public safety, economic development and other beats for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Suspect accused of torching Pure Puff Lifestyle Shop in Berlin
