Arson Suspect Who Allegedly Set Fire to Three Homes and Several Pieces of Heavy Equipment in Louisiana Has Been Arrested
Allen Parish, Louisiana – A suspect who allegedly set fire to three homes and several pieces of heavy equipment in Louisiana has been arrested on suspicion of arson.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) stated on May 10, 2023, that an Oakdale, Louisiana man had been arrested for allegedly setting fire to three vacant residences and several pieces of heavy equipment at a business.
Michael Laird, 33, of Oakdale, Louisiana, was arrested on four charges of Simple Arson and one count of Manufacture and Possession of Delayed Action Incendiary Devices on Tuesday, May 9.
The Oakdale Fire Department responded to two different house fire reports within minutes of one another in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 3. The first occurred on West Sixth Avenue in the 400 block, and the second was on West Seventh Avenue in the 200 block. A third house fire was reported in the 700 block of Matthews Street while fire crews were on their way to these locations. All of the structures were empty residences, and no one was hurt.
During an examination of the scenes, LASFM deputies established that the fires were purposefully started and linked.
The Oakdale Fire Department then responded to a report of a tractor on fire at a business in the 200 block of US Highway 165 around 4 a.m. on Saturday, May 6. Firefighters came to find a tractor and a lawnmower on fire. Exposure damage was sustained by an RTV parked near the burning equipment. This fire was likewise confirmed to have been started on purpose.
As the investigation progressed, on Tuesday, May 9, Oakdale Police officers reportedly discovered Laird with suspicious materials in a business parking lot. He was detained for questioning and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office was contacted.
According to reports, Laird confirmed his role in all four fires in an interview with LASFM deputies and Oakdale officers and was officially charged in connection with the cases.
The LASFM thanked the Oakdale Police Department for their help in this matter.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.