OCEAN CITY – James F. Schatzle, 73, Smithville was charged for Aggravated Arson, Insurance Fraud, Failure to Report Fire, Risking Widespread Injury/Damage and for a False Police Report regarding a Sept. 29 fire on the Ocean City boardwalk, a press release states.
Ocean City Police Department and Fire Department responded to a working fire in the 1400 block of the Boardwalk, Sept. 29, 2009 at 12:46 p.m.
It was reported that a man was lying face down on the boardwalk in front of the burning building.
Upon arrival at the scene emergency responders found, James F. Schatzle, 73, of Smithville, in need of medical attention.
Schatzle indicated that two men had entered his store, assaulted him physically and set the building on fire.
Schatzle was transported to the hospital for treatment of his reported injuries.
The fire was contained to one business, owned by Schatzle, at 1360 Boardwalk known as the Flags and Special Gifts.
Two other neighboring businesses sustained smoke damage.
Witnesses at the scene said they observed smoke coming from the store and a person inside yelling for help. Employee’s of Johnson’s Popcorn and two citizens assisted with removing Schatzle from the burning store.
The investigation revealed that the fire was suspicious due to multiple points of origin in the store found by investigators.
There was also a police report filed by Schatzle on Sept. 16, 2009 reference to him being threatened by two customers over the purchase of flags. It was also learned that Schatzle owned a store in Galloway Township that was destroyed by fire in 2006.
An interview was eventually conducted with Schatzle upon his release from the hospital. Based on that interview, witness statements and evidence found at the scene, Schatzle was arrested and charged with the below crimes related to the fire on Sept. 29, 2009 and the police report of Sept. 16, 2009.
Schatzle was charged on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Richard Russell, JMC, in the amount of $50,000 full cash bail.
The investigation was conducted by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean City Fire Department, and the Ocean City Police Department.
Lt. Steven Ang of the Special Services Division prepared this press release.
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