Louisiana Man Arrested for Attempted Murder and Aggravated Arson After Allegedly Setting Fire to a Home with People Inside

Louisiana – On September 30, 2022, The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) reported that with assistance from the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office, a Ville Platte, Louisiana man has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a mobile home where four people, some of who were his relatives, were sleeping inside.

Rusty Gautreaux, 31, of Ville Platte, Louisiana, was arrested on four counts of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder and one count of Aggravated Arson.
The Pine Prairie Ward Four Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a mobile home fire in the 1000 block of Gautreaux Lane early Thursday, Sept. 29. When firefighters arrived, they discovered that the residents had effectively extinguished the fire and that no one had been injured.

Following an examination of the scene, LASFM deputies discovered that there were many points of origin of the fire on the exterior of the mobile home, all of which were deliberately placed.
Earlier that morning, deputies learned of a domestic altercation at the property, when witnesses said Gautreaux ignited garments on fire and flung them at the structure. The clothing was promptly thrown away from the structure, and Gautreaux left the scene. The four occupants were later awakened by the scent of smoke after returning inside and falling asleep. Everyone evacuated the home, and the fire was extinguished as firefighters arrived.

A warrant for Gautreaux’s arrest was obtained, and the following day, Friday, September 30, Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s deputies identified and arrested him.

The LASFM also expressed gratitude for its collaboration with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office in bringing this matter to a swift conclusion.

Featured image source: LASFM