Steven H. Smink of Philadelphia faces aggravated arson, aggravated arson for hire, and conspiracy charges after Loyle Lanes burned down on January 11.
Smink owns Pike Bowling Lanes in Bridgeton, N.J. Loyle Lanes and Pike Bowling Lanes are the only two bowling alleys in Cumberland County.
Vineland police say the fire at Loyle Lanes caused $4 million in damages.
“We can’t image someone having the idea to do this to us,” said co-founder Charles Loyle. “It has impacted so many people.”
Loyle said the alley provided jobs, tax income and a vaulable recreation area for his community, and he vowed to rebuild the lanes.
Smink and two other suspects were arrested Tuesday night in Northeast Philadelphia after a surveillance operation.
The three suspects remain in Philadelphia until Vineland authorities bring them back to New Jersey.
Felix Antonio Manzano of Philadelphia and a juvenile were in custody.
Smink and Manzano are being held on $300,000 bail.
New Jersey state police and Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms Agency officials have been actively investigating the fire, along with Vineland police.
Loyle Lanes was renovated months earlier with a $400,000 investment that included giant video screens and new computerized scoring units, the Asbury Park Press said.
Source:MyFoxPhilly.com