Hours after releasing a photo of suspects wanted in connection with the Sunday evening fire at the Covington Walmart, two teens were arrested. State Fire Marshal Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said it was the Northshore community that responded quickly which led to the arrests…
“And overwhelmingly with very consistent information that allows our investigators to go on the right path, to the right individuals and then those of course were identified as a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old from Covington,”
The blaze caused extensive damage to Walmart and the store is closed at this time. In addition to endangering the lives of more than 200 people that were in the store Sunday night, Rodrigue said there are even more repercussions…
“Thousands of lives are impacted relative to those employees who cannot get a paycheck at this moment, and people in the community who cannot visit the store that they turn to very frequently,” said Rodrigue.
Rodrigue said they tend to see more cases involving juveniles and fire over the summer break. She encourages parents to make it clear that fire is not a toy whatsoever.
“Just try to work together, it takes a village as we know, to give kids something productive to do over the summer and to keep them out of trouble,” said Rodrigue.
The suspects were booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. Charges include Aggravated Arson, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson, along with Manufacture and Possession of a Delayed Action Incendiary Device.
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