Blog

Man Charged With Arson After Incendiary Shotgun Round Sparks Wildfire in NJ

Posted by Joseph D. Lento | Jan 20, 2025 | 0 Comments

A man is facing charges of arson and violating firearms regulations after allegedly firing an illegal incendiary shotgun round sparked a wildfire in Jackson Township, New Jersey.

Officials say Richard Shashaty, 37, fired “Dragon's Breath” ammo, which erupted in a shower of burning magnesium shards in a flamethrower-like display. This ignited dry brush and other materials on the berm of the Rifle Club where the shot was fired. Drought conditions allowed the fire to spread quickly, causing the evacuation of 15 homes and threatening nearly a dozen more before firefighters were able to get the blaze under control.

Arson charges and firearms violations are a serious matter, and when public safety is threatened, it doesn't matter whether a fire was deliberate or accidental. If you're facing arson or other charges in the state of New Jersey, the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is ready to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to learn how we can help.

A Dangerous Display

Dragon's Breath ammo surged in popularity after being featured in the movie John Wick 4. Ammo manufacturers stress that it is only to be used for entertainment purposes and to create visual effects, and it is always used in a controlled environment. Three states have already prohibited the manufacture, purchase, or possession of this ammo, and it is illegal in at least 10 more states, including New Jersey.

The ammo's incendiary material burns at over 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, easily igniting any flammable material it comes into contact with. While the visual effects of Dragon's Breath ammunition may be stunning, it's clearly dangerous to use outside of extremely controlled environments.

Combine this with environmental conditions in New Jersey, which has seen a number of wildfires in 2024, and it is amazing that the so-called Shotgun Fire didn't cause more damage than it did. There have been so many fires recently that the state is dealing with air quality so poor that many homeowners are even reporting alerts from their carbon monoxide detectors.

Defend Your Rights

Wildfires are no trivial thing, but when drought has turned everything into a tinderbox, it's all too easy to inadvertently spark dangerous conditions. Don't let such an accident lead to your loss of freedom.

If you're facing arson charges in the state of New Jersey, the Lento Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team is your best ally. We'll approach your case using our client-centered approach to create your personalized legal strategy. We'll relentlessly pursue your defense by gathering evidence, collecting testimony, and presenting a strong and persuasive case in court. And most importantly, we'll be by your side every step of the way. Call us today at 888.535.3686 or contact us online to start defending your rights!

About the Author

Joseph D. Lento

"I pride myself on having heart and driving hard to get results!" Attorney Joseph D. Lento passionately fights for the futures of his clients in criminal courtrooms in New Jersey and nationwide. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. With unparalleled experience occupying several roles in the criminal justice system outside of being an attorney, Joseph D. Lento can give you valuable behind-the-scenes insight as to what is happening during all phases of the legal process. Joseph D. Lento is licensed in New Jersey and New York, and is admitted pro hac vice as needed nationwide. In the courtroom and in life, attorney Joseph D. Lento stands up when the bell rings!

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Comments have been disabled.

​​​Contact The Lento Law Firm Today

When it comes to criminal defense cases, you need the right person in your corner. To learn more about how Mr. Lento can help you, call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686. or contact him online.

This website was created only for general information purposes. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice for any situation. Only a direct consultation with a licensed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York attorney can provide you with formal legal counsel based on the unique details surrounding your situation. The pages on this website may contain links and contact information for third party organizations - the Lento Law Firm does not necessarily endorse these organizations nor the materials contained on their website. In Pennsylvania, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout Pennsylvania's 67 counties, including, but not limited to Philadelphia, Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, and York County. In New Jersey, attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New Jersey's 21 counties: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren County, In New York, Attorney Joseph D. Lento represents clients throughout New York's 62 counties. Outside of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, unless attorney Joseph D. Lento is admitted pro hac vice if needed, his assistance may not constitute legal advice or the practice of law. The decision to hire an attorney in Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania counties, New Jersey, New York, or nationwide should not be made solely on the strength of an advertisement. We invite you to contact the Lento Law Firm directly to inquire about our specific qualifications and experience. Communicating with the Lento Law Firm by email, phone, or fax does not create an attorney-client relationship. The Lento Law Firm will serve as your official legal counsel upon a formal agreement from both parties. Any information sent to the Lento Law Firm before an attorney-client relationship is made is done on a non-confidential basis.

Menu