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NJ Man Arrested After Allegedly Setting At Least 14 Houses On Fire July 4th Weekend

CAMDEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A man suspected of setting fires at more than a dozen vacant homes in Camden over the July Fourth holiday weekend has been captured.

Camden County authorities say Charles Ricks Jr., 44, is responsible for at least 14 of the 16 fires that were set over a 48-hour period. They also say he may be responsible for some other recent arson fires in the Camden area.

Authorities wouldn't say how the fires were started. They say Ricks was arrested Thursday morning after a police detective saw him walking on a city street.

Seven firefighters suffered minor injuries while battling the blazes, but no residents were hurt.

CBS Philadelphia reports there is no known motive yet.

It wasn't known Saturday if Ricks has retained an attorney. Officials say he has addresses in Camden and Philadelphia.

Ricks faces several counts of aggravated arson.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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