A man charged with setting a fire outside a Toms River gym has been linked to two additional fires reported in the hours leading up to the incident, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

Joseph R. Mansueto, 38, is charged with aggravated arson and criminal mischief in connection with a fire reported outside a Planet Fitness location at the Toms River Shopping Center on Route 37, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said.

Authorities said the fire at the gym was reported at 3:41 a.m. Sunday and was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported.

According to the affidavit, surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed a person wearing a blue trench coat over a gray hoodie, along with a blue scarf, blue pants and black sneakers, walking past the gym at approximately 3:26 a.m. Two minutes later, the same individual was seen walking in the opposite direction. The fire was reported about 15 minutes later.

Detectives later determined that firefighters had responded earlier that morning to the Toms River Bus Terminal, located at 400 Highland Parkway, for a fire in a garbage can.

Surveillance footage from the bus terminal, recorded at approximately 2:40 a.m., showed a person dressed in clothing matching the description from the Planet Fitness video. According to the affidavit, the individual lit a piece of paper and placed it on top of a garbage can beneath an overhang. After pacing nearby and smoking a cigarette, the person put the lit paper into the garbage can, causing its contents to ignite.

In addition, investigators learned that Toms River Police Department and firefighters had responded Saturday evening to a report of an open burn in an alley near Jembro at the same shopping center. The affidavit states that a man at the scene identified himself as Mansueto. He was issued a warning and released.

Later, Lt. Brad Frank of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office observed a person matching the surveillance description while driving along Route 166 in Beachwood, according to the affidavit. Beachwood police made contact with the individual, who identified himself as Mansueto.

Authorities determined Mansueto had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear. He was arrested and transported to Beachwood Police headquarters. According to the affidavit, Mansueto requested an attorney and declined to answer further questions.

While Mansueto has been charged in connection with the Planet Fitness fire, no charges have been filed related to the garbage can fire at the bus terminal as of this report.