Six Allen Parish residents, including three volunteer firefighters, have been charged in connection to Oakdale arson fires in May and early June, according to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, reports thetowntalk.com.
The fires hit both residential and commercial buildings, and some firefighters led investigators to a suspect who eventually was among those arrested, according to the release.
During the month-long investigation with the help of the Allen Parish Sheriff’s Office, investigators spoke with the firefighters about the fires and about how they should approach other fire scenes, if more occured. The investigators had the “full cooperation” of Oakdale officials, according to the release.
“These private discussions were also intended to provide an opportunity for firefighters to share their thoughts regarding the fires with an investigator in a confidential setting,” reads the release.
The volunteer firefighter mentioned was 21-year-old Johnny West of Oakdale. Officials had determined that West was “often the first to respond when a fire dispatch was initiated,” reads the release. But West denied any knowledge of or involvement in the fires when questioned.
Further investigation revealed other suspects who were implicated in three fires, one in May and two in June. “Two of the fires inflicted heavy damage to vacant houses on Locke Street and East Jackson Street, while the third damaged a commercial building located on Industrial Boulevard that the city of Oakdale utilizes for storage,” reads the release.
The volunteer firefighters served with the Oakdale and Allen Parish District 6 departments. According to the release, five of the six confessed to setting fires, while one refused to talk to investigators. The release did not specify who allegedly confessed, but did say that no “clear motive” for the fires was established.
Other suspicious fires in the town remain under investigation. More arrests are possible, according to the release.
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