Louisiana Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Aggravated Arson After Allegedly Setting Fire to Disabled Man’s Home While He Was Inside

Red River Parish, Louisiana – A man from Louisiana has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and aggravated arson for allegedly setting fire to a disabled man’s home while he was inside.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) stated on May 3, 2023, that a Coushatta, Louisiana man had been arrested for allegedly setting fire to his neighbor’s mobile home while the disabled man was inside.

On Tuesday, April 25, Leo Latson, 60, of Coushatta, Louisiana was booked into the Red River Parish Jail on one count of Principal to Attempted Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Arson, and Criminal Trespass.

The Red River Parish Fire District responded to a call of a mobile home fire in the 500 block of Carlisle Extension around 9 p.m. on April 25, 2023. Firefighters discovered that there was a person inside at the time of the fire, however, that person was able to safely escape and extinguish the fire before first responders arrived.

Following an examination of the scene and the taking of witness statements, LASFM deputies determined that the fire was intentionally set on the exterior of the home, and Latson, who had already been arrested on the scene by the Red River Sheriff’s Office, was named as a suspect in the case.

During the investigation, deputies discovered that the victim and Latson were involved in an ongoing dispute, which included law enforcement being called to the home where the fire occurred. Furthermore, it was discovered that Latson had been arrested for arson several years before.

Latson was officially booked in connection with the crime after an interview with deputies.

The LASFM expressed gratitude to the R.R.S.O. for their cooperation 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.