Man charged with arson at West Deptford church

SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A man is facing charges after he allegedly started a fire that temporarily shuttered a church in South Jersey.

Officials said the fire broke out just before 7 a.m. Saturday at Colonial Manor United Methodist Church on Elberne Avenue in West Deptford.

Police named 44-year-old Brian Cannon as a person of interest early in the investigation. He was subsequently arrested and charged with arson and aggravated assault.

The church said on social media that the older section of its structure was damaged. Although the main sanctuary was reportedly not damaged, the church said it was unable to meet there for Sunday’s worship.

One firefighter was injured while trying to extinguish the blaze. Officials said he fell through a floor and was taken to the hospital with burns to his hands. He has since been released.

Cannon remains at the Salem County Correctional Facility, pending a detention hearing.