Mercer Co. Prosecutor Warns Of Man Who Set Co-Worker On Fire

Princeton NJ

08 February, 2022

10:24 AM

Description

UPDATE: Nicholas Pagano, 31, was found dead Tuesday in Waterford Township, Camden County of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. Read More: Nurse Who Set Woman On Fire Found Dead In Camden County MERCER COUNTY, NJ — The Mercer County Prosecutor's Office is asking residents to be aware of a traveling nurse who set fire to a hospital employee at the Hackensack University Medical Center. Nicholas Pagano, 31, of West Deptford faces multiple charges in connection with the attack on the woman, according to a news release from Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella, which was shared by Mercer County Prosecutor. Officials said Monday night they are searching for him and he should be considered "armed and dangerous." Members of the public should not approach him. Pagano may be in a 1998 white Jeep Grand Cherokee with black roof racks and New Jersey license plate number S57 NJH. If anyone knows where Pagano is or if he is seen, contact the Hackensack Police Department immediately at (201) 646-7777. On Monday, February 7, at approximately 5:15 a.m., a Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) employee called the police to report an assault at the hospital. When Hackensack Police arrived they found a 54-year-old HUMC employee had been attacked and burned by another person in a break room, and that the attacker had fled the hospital, police said. The victim suffered third-degree burns on her upper body, face, and hands, as well as a laceration to her head that required stitches. She was treated in the emergency room at HUMC and taken to another medical facility for additional treatment. Detectives from Hackensack Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office determined the suspect burned the victim and hit her with a wrench. The suspect, identified as Pagano, fled the hospital. Pagano has been charged with first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated arson against the person, second-degree aggravated arson against the property, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, according to Bergen County Prosecutor's office. Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email [email protected] Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.