Toms River Man Charged with Aggravated Arson

Kevin Funchess, a 59-year-old man from Toms River, has been charged with aggravated arson after allegedly setting a fire in the living room of an apartment at Winteringham Village on April 14. Emergency responders discovered the fire had already been extinguished upon their arrival shortly before 11 p.m. Investigators determined that the blaze was intentionally caused using a flammable liquid and an open flame, leading to Funchess's identification and arrest at the scene. He was treated for shortness of breath at Community Medical Center before being taken to Ocean County Jail, where he will await a detention hearing. The investigation involved multiple agencies, and while no injuries or further damages were reported, authorities have not disclosed a motive. The charges against Funchess are accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.