Two Louisiana Suspects Arrested in Connection with the Arson and Burglary of a Preschool

Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana – Two suspects from Louisiana have been arrested in connection with the arson and burglary of a preschool in Terrebonne Parish.

On January 8, 2023, Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Tim Soignet revealed that a man and woman from Gray, Louisiana had been arrested in connection with an arson investigation that happened at Pelican Point Preschool on December 26, 2022. Tecumseh Norman Chaisson, 19, and Brooke Lirette, 19, have been arrested on charges of Simple Burglary and Arson.

The Bayou Cane Fire Department responded to the 700 block of Enterprise Drive on Monday, December 26, 2022, in response to a working structure fire at a commercial facility under construction. As firemen worked to put out the fire, they discovered evidence that suggested it had been set on purpose. The Patrol Division of the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene and identified the facility as the future home of Pelican Point Preschool.

An Arson Investigator from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene and discovered evidence that showed the fire was intentionally lit. Detectives from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office proceeded to actively investigate the event and were able to gather video surveillance evidence, which led to the discovery of a possible vehicle of interest in the inquiry. Further inquiry led to the identification of two persons of interest, Tecumseh Chaisson and Brooke Lirette. Chaisson was arrested and jailed for other offenses after the crime, according to detectives, and is currently incarcerated in Terrebonne Parish.

On January 6, 2023, Detectives apprehended Brooke Lirette and brought her in for interrogation. Detectives interviewed Lirette, who supplied information proving that Chaisson entered the building through a window and stole many items from within. Lirette did provide information that allowed Detectives to corroborate that several of the things taken from the scene were sold to area pawn shops. The information led to Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Detectives conducting a search warrant on the vehicle used during the incident as well as Chaisson and Lirette’s shared home. During the search warrant, detectives discovered additional evidence linking Chaisson and Lirette to the Burglary and Arson of the structure as well as further offenses committed in both Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish.

Investigators have determined that the perpetrators’ crime appears to be random in nature and not purposely oriented toward the sort of business or its ownership.

Detectives sought to question Tecumseh Chaisson, but he refused to engage with them.

Tecumseh Norman Chaisson was arrested on counts of Simple Burglary of a Business and Arson. He remains jailed on a $200,000 bond by local judges. Brooke Lirette was arrested on Principal to Simple Burglary and Principal to Arson charges. Local judges have kept her in jail on a $100,000 bond.

Sheriff Soignet would want to remind the public that this is a continuing investigation, and additional charges look to be likely. More information will be released when it becomes available.

Sheriff Tim Soignet commended the Investigators for their thorough and hard work on this investigation. Sheriff Soignet said, “This case is extremely unfortunate for not only the victims of this incident but for the families they intended to serve when they opened this month. The safety of children in this parish is a priority and our agency takes it very seriously. We will not stop until this investigation is resolved in the proper manner. We sincerely hope that Pelican Point Preschool will overcome this setback and become a successful business that serves many families for years to come.”

Sheriff Soignet encourages anyone with information about this investigation to contact the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (985)876-2500. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers Bayou Region at 1-800-743-7433, online at CrimeStoppersBR.org, or via the Bayou Tips app on mobile devices. Tipsters may be eligible for a financial incentive for providing information.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty.