Juveniles Arrested for Arson at Veteran's Park in DeRidder, Louisiana
DeRidder, Louisiana - In a joint effort, the DeRidder Police Department and Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office have announced the arrest of three male juveniles following an incident of arson at Veteran's Park. The arrests were made on Tuesday evening, February 13, 2024, after multiple complaints of harassment by juveniles in the park.
Concerned by the increasing reports, DeRidder Police Officers and Beauregard Parish Sheriff Department Deputies initiated undercover operations in an attempt to identify the individuals responsible. At approximately 9:30 PM, undercover officers heard unusual noises from the restroom area and promptly entered the men's restrooms. Authorities discovered three juveniles engaged in the dangerous act of exploding a vape, which resulted in a fire within the restroom. Simultaneously, a fire had also started in the women's restroom.
The three male juveniles, aged 15, were immediately apprehended and subsequently booked for Criminal conspiracy to commit Simple Arson and Simple Arson charges. They are currently awaiting court hearings.
In light of this incident, both the DeRidder Police Department and Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office have committed to continuing random undercover operations and patrols throughout the parks in DeRidder. This ongoing effort aims to identify and apprehend any other juveniles involved in similar offenses.
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.