For the past seven months investigations from the State Fire Marshals Office and the Hammond Fire Department have resulted in nine arrests in seven arson cases. State Fire Marshal Chief Dan Wallis reopened several closed investigations and spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said one case involving three suspects is allegedly linked to two Hammond house fires and more.
“Finding more outside of the Hammond area and even outside of the state that these individuals may be linked with so now we’ve got Federal partners involved,” said Rodrigue.
The reopened cases include house, vehicle, and business fires from August 2022 and January 2023.
The Christmas Eve fire at the Hammond Walmart is among the cases. Rodrigue said the suspect confessed it was set to create a distraction so he could steal merchandise and it was tips and overwhelming media coverage that assisted in closing that case.
“To the point where the individual ended up calling himself to turn himself in because he said he was so tired of seeing his face everywhere,” said Rodrigue.
Rodrigue said assistance from the State Fire Marshal’s Office allowed the Hammond Fire Department to re-examine the seven arson cases.
“If you have a concern about a fire case that occurs in your area and you think it needs some more eyes, give us a call on our tipline,” said Rodrigue.
You can find the tip line number and the ability to submit an anonymous tip at their website, sfm.dps.louisiana.gov under the report information concerning arson fires tab.
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