Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana - A Louisiana man has been arrested in connection with allegedly starting a fire on purpose during a burn ban and other crimes.
On August 26, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Forestry law enforcement officers were informed by the Natalbany Fire Department about a suspicious individual who was allegedly threatening to start a large fire during the ongoing burn ban across the state.
As agents from the LDAF along with deputies from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office were trying to find the person in question, the nearby 911 center got a call. This call came from an individual situated near Old Genessee Road, close to LA Highway 1065 in Tickfaw, Louisiana who said that they were planning to start a large fire.
When authorities found the individual in question, he defied all spoken instructions and escaped in his automobile. Following a short scuffle, the person was apprehended and revealed to be Robin Crawford, 37, from Tickfaw, Louisiana.
The Natalbany Fire Department and LDAF Wildland Firefighters were called to the scene to manage the extensive fire that had been ignited.
Crawford was taken into custody and sent to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on the charges of flight from an officer, resisting an officer (2 counts), misuse of 911, simple escape, simple arson, disseminating incorrect details about intended fire-setting, violation of burn ban, and fugitive (St Tammany Parish)
Authorities encourage residents to report any offenses related to forestry to the LDAF's round-the-clock helpline at 1-855-452-5323.
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.