Two Louisiana Teen Suspects Identified and Arrested Shortly After Fire Set Inside Business in Covington
St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana – Two teenagers from Louisiana have been identified and arrested shortly after a fire was set inside a business in Covington.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) made a public announcement on June 5th, 2023 – only hours after requesting assistance to locate two suspects in relation to a fire in a Covington big-box store – that the two suspects had been captured.
The two individuals, aged 17 and 15, both from Covington, Louisiana, were charged with Aggravated Arson, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, and Manufacture and Possession of a Delayed Action Incendiary Device.
On Sunday, June 4th, at around 8:15 p.m., St. Tammany Fire District #12 was called to a fire within the Walmart store located on North Highway 190 in Covington. The blaze destroyed an aisle of automotive products, forcing the store to be evacuated – with at least 200 customers at the time. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Deputies determined that the fire was intentionally lit after assessing the site and gathering video evidence, and they began seeking help from the public to identify and locate the two suspects.
LASFM indicated that due to the large and swift response from the community, State Fire Marshal deputies, working in collaboration with St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office deputies, learned the teens’ names and whereabouts and were able to apprehend them shortly after the fire.
“We are grateful that the Northshore community stood up for itself today and made a stance against arson,” said State Fire Marshal Chief Dan Wallis. “While it is very unfortunate two young people have been arrested in this case, I am hopeful that this situation encourages all adults to remind children and teens that fire is not a toy. Fire is very dangerous and can change lives in an instant, just like in this case.”
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.