Louisiana Man Wanted for Allegedly Setting Fire to Ex-Girlfriend’s House With People Inside

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a Louisiana man wanted for allegedly setting fire to his ex-girlfriend’s house on the morning of Thursday, June 2, 2022, according to St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann. Melvin Hendricks, 52, is wanted for aggravated burglary, aggravated arson, and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His last known address was in the 2300 block of Licciardi Lane in Violet, Louisiana.

Deputies responded to a call for service in the 3200 block of Angelique Drive in Violet on Wednesday, May 26, shortly after 7 a.m., according to Sheriff Pohlmann.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they spoke with two adult males who claimed they were inside the house when Hendricks, who had arrived unannounced, set fire to it.
During the course of the investigation, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Bureau discovered Hendricks entered his ex-girlfriend’s home with a firearm, poured gasoline throughout the house, set it on fire, and then fled the scene.

Sheriff Pohlmann stated that neither of the men in the house were hurt during the incident.

Hendricks stands 5’11” and weighs around 200 pounds.

Anyone with information about Hendricks’ whereabouts or any other aspect of this incident should contact the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501, the Criminal Investigations Bureau’s tip hotline at (504) 271-TIPS or 8477, or Crimestoppers GNO at (504) 822-1111. Callers to the CIB tip hotline or Crimestoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal is assisting with the investigation, and any information about the suspect’s whereabouts would be greatly appreciated.
The LASFM Arson Tip Line is 1-844-954-1221, and anonymous online tips can be submitted here: https://lasfm.louisiana.gov/Investigations/arsonTip.aspx.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.