Police tape.

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

Murder charges have been filed against a 70-year-old retired corrections officer months after a fire that authorities now say he started, ABC7 reports.

According to the outlet, William "Bill" Ahle initially told police that he ran into the flames to try to save 82-year-old Virginia Cranwell after noticing them while walking his dog on Kempshall Terrace in Fanwood around 1:40 a.m., Friday, July 25. Ahle was subsequently hospitalized with severe burns to his arms.

But on Wednesday, Dec. 10, a SWAT team raided Ahle's home next door where he was taken into custody, ABC7 reports.

Later that day, Union County Prosecutor William A. Daniel announced that Ahle was charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, burglary, and aggravated arson. 

Ahle has been identified as a retired sergeant in the Union County Jail. He was lodged at the Middlesex County Jail.