Cross burning in N.J.: Three men charged with bias crime, arson, say cops

(CBS/AP) BASS RIVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Authorities have arrested three men believed to be responsible for a burning cross found near a southern New Jersey highway.

State Police spokesman Stephen Jones says Nicholas Comis, 22, was arrested Wednesday night and 22-year-old Daniel Enders and 21-year-old Christopher Hurrll were arrested Thursday.

According to Jones, three men were spotted near the towering wooden cross, which was set ablaze around 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night.

Comis, of Tuckerton, N.J., appeared to have gas stains on his pants when patrolling officers stopped to question the three suspects, says Jones. Investigators say an African American family lives near the area where the 4-by-8-foot cross was found.

All three are charged with bias intimidation and conspiracy to commit arson. The charges carry a 3-to-5 year prison term upon conviction.