The State Fire Marshal’s Office has arrested a man for setting fire to a shed that was part of his deceased mother’s former property.
Lonnie Soileau, 64, was booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on Jan. 30 on one count each of simple arson and criminal trespass, a news release on Facebook from the fire marshal’s office said.
On Jan. 27, the Eunice Fire Department responded to a shed fire located in the 500 block of Ida Street. The home had recently been sold following the owner’s death.
After assessing the scene, investigators determined the fire was incendiary.
Through witness statements, it was learned Soileau had been squatting in the home, but had been evicted following the sale of the property. Despite the eviction, witnesses reported seeing Soileau on the property in the days leading up to the fire.
With the assistance of Eunice City Marshal’s Office, Soileau was located in Ville Platte and taken into custody. In an interview with investigators, Soileau admitted to starting a fire in the shed, the news release said.
Soileau was then placed under arrest.