New Jersey Fire Chief Arrested for Vandalizing Rare Sports Car: Allegations and Legal Implications

A New Jersey fire chief has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing a rare sports car. Surveillance footage captured Joshua Scolnick damaging the 1995 Nissan Nismo 270R while it was parked next to the firehouse in Piscataway where he works. The car’s owner, Mark Bahna, claims that Scolnick was upset about rainwater from his sump pump seeping over to the Arbor Hose Company #1 next door on West 7th Street.

Bahna explained that the car was parked on his property between his building and the volunteer firehouse. He mentioned that they are examining all legal options with their attorney. Bahna, who specializes in collecting and selling Japanese sports cars, stated that his car was scratched and dented. He emphasized that it is priceless and may be one of just two ’95 Nismo 270R’s in the U.S., with his being car number five out of the original 30 produced by Nissan in 1995.

Despite attempts to reach out to the parties involved, responses have not been received yet according to attorney Mark Speed. CBS New York reached out to the firehouse where Scolnick works but did not receive any responses. Piscataway Fire District No. 3, which oversees the firehouse, also did not respond to messages. Police disclosed that Scolnick was charged with 3rd-degree criminal mischief and was released on a summons complaint.