DeQuincy teen arrested for setting fire to house
A DeQuincy teen has been arrested by the State Fire Marshal’s Office after she allegedly set fire to a rental home in which her family was being evicted.
The 17-year-old turned herself in to the Office of Juvenile Justice in Lake Charles on Thursday, on a warrant for one count of simple arson.
Ashley Rodrigue, public affairs director for the Fire Marshal’s Office, said on Wednesday evening the DeQuincy Fire Department requested the assistance of the State Fire Marshal in determining the origin and cause of a house fire located in the 200 block of Jefferson Street in DeQuincy.
After assessing the scene, investigators determined there were two areas of origin — both bedrooms — and that the fire was intentionally set, Rodrigue said.
During the investigation, deputies learned the teen was the only one in the home at the time of the fire.
Following an interview with investigators, a warrant was obtained for the teen’s arrest, Rodrigue said.
The juvenile subsequently turned herself in to authorities while accompanied by a guardian.