Louisiana Man Arrested for Allegedly Setting Vehicle on Fire to Collect Insurance, along with Drug and Firearms Charges

Louisiana – A Louisiana man has been arrested for allegedly setting a vehicle on fire to collect insurance, along with drug and firearms charges.

On February 20, 2023, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) claimed that it had arrested a Destrehan, Louisiana man for allegedly setting fire to his car in order to collect insurance money. During the arrest, illegal substances and weapons were also allegedly discovered, leading to additional unconnected charges.

Brett Eliser, 32, of Destrehan, Louisiana, was booked into the St. Charles Parish Jail on Friday, February 17 on one count of Simple Arson, Insurance Fraud, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with Intent to Distribute, Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, Illegal Carrying of Weapons, and Criminal Mischief.

In the early evening hours of January 16, the Norco Fire Department responded to a report of a vehicle fire in the 1600 block of Lower Guide Levee Road in Norco, Louisiana. The truck had been reported stolen out of the New Orleans region earlier that day, and the LASFM had been asked to look into it further.

Deputies were able to determine the fire was intentionally started after significant investigative efforts that included collecting witness accounts, security video, and records searches, and they identified Eliser, the owner of the vehicle, as a suspect in the case.

On February 17, 2023, the LASFM arrested Eliser at his residence in Destrehan with the assistance of the St Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. Following the arrest, deputies discovered evidence relating to the fire, as well as stolen firearms, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

The LASFM would like to remind all Louisiana residents that if you have information concerning a fire investigation, you can report it anonymously to their office via their tip line at 1-844-954-1221 or online at LASFM.org.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.