Two From Louisiana Arrested in Connection to Three Business Fires Believed to be Arson

Louisiana – The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) reported on September 28, 2022, that it had closed three Central City, Louisiana commercial arson cases, one from 2019 and two from 2021, with the arrest of two New Orleans women.

Neice Johnson, 52, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Arson in connection with an October 2019 incident at the McCaleb Apartments.
Special Marie Carter, 29, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on two counts of Simple Arson in connection with two fires that occurred within two hours of one other in an auto repair shop in October 2021.

A fire was started inside an elevator of a three-story apartment complex in the 2400 block of Clio Street in 2019. The structure housed 46 units, many of which were occupied at the time of the fire. More than half of the individuals who live there are disabled. Johnson was identified as a suspect in the case after considerable investigative efforts and tips from the public in response to this agency’s plea for information in the case, and an arrest warrant was secured for her. Johnson was apprehended and arrested on September 28.

In the 2021 cases, an auto repair shop in the 2100 block of Earhart Boulevard was reported on fire, along with many automobiles outside the building, two hours before a second auto repair shop in the 1600 block of Clara Street was also reported on fire. Carter was identified as the suspect in both cases after extensive investigation, and an arrest warrant was secured for her. Carter was located and arrested on Wednesday, September 28.

Despite the fact that both suspects were apprehended during the same warrant round-up operation, deputies do not believe the 2019 and 2021 crimes are linked.
The LASFM is grateful to the New Orleans Fire Department and the general public for their assistance in resolving these situations.