Saddle Brook Man Accused of Burning Woman, Leaving Her Stranded in Ocean County Woods

PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Bergen County man is facing attempted murder and aggravated arson charges after authorities say he caused a woman to suffer burns and smoke inhalation before abandoning her in a wooded area of Ocean County.

Justin Martin, 36, of Saddle Brook, was charged on Friday, October 16, in connection with the incident, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

On Thursday, October 15, at approximately 1:36 p.m., Plumsted Township police and emergency medical personnel responded to a wooded area near Hawkin Road and Success Road following a 911 call reporting a woman suffering from burns.

First responders found the woman in distress. She was transported to Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia, where authorities reported she was in stable condition.

Investigators determined that Martin and the woman were together in the wooded area when he allegedly caused her to suffer burns and smoke inhalation. Authorities said Martin then fled in a vehicle, leaving the injured woman stranded.

Officials have not disclosed how the burns were inflicted, the relationship between Martin and the victim, or a possible motive.

Detectives located Martin in Asbury Park at approximately 12:15 a.m. Friday and arrested him without incident.

He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he was being held pending a detention hearing.

The investigation involved the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Plumsted Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff's Office, and several Monmouth County law enforcement agencies.

The charges are allegations, and Martin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Source: Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, October 16, 2026.