A man has been arrested in Slidell for allegedly terrorizing his ex-girlfriend through a string of vehicle fires.
62-year-old Michael Jackson of New Orleans is accused of lighting nearly a dozen vehicles on fire across three different incidents in Slidell. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said each incident shared a common thread.
“His target was on her, any vehicles that she had, or any friends and their vehicles who were helping her,” said Jackson.
The first incident occurred on December 23rd where three vehicles were burned. January 4th at the same location three were set ablaze while three others received damage. Finally on Friday Jackson allegedly tracked his ex to a friend’s house where he lit another vehicle on fire. It is believed this harassment goes back to at least October in Jefferson Parish.
Jackson was arrested Saturday, a day after the last incident. St. Tammany Fire Protection District One Assistant Chief for Fire Protection Jason Gobert said the community is glad to put an end to this saga.
“Had we not made this arrest and this kept going on, who knows how bad this could have gotten, as if arson wasn’t bad enough,” said Gobert.
Gobert said locking up Jackson has been a relief for the community, and the victim in particular.
“We are certainly happy to get him off the street, and we’re happy for the victim that she can get on with her life and not fear for her life anymore,” said Gobert.
Jackson is facing one count of Aggravated Arson and Simple Arson. More charges are expected.
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