A monthlong investigation by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office into a string of fires in Oakdale has resulted in the arrest of six people, including three Allen Parish volunteer firefighters.
Authorities said in a news release that Johnny West, 21, of Oakdale, was often the first to respond to a fire when a dispatch was initiated. Subsequent interviews resulted in five more suspects who, with West, were implicated in three fires — one in May and two in early June.
Five of the six people arrested ultimately confessed to their alleged roles in setting the fires, while one refused to speak to investigators. No clear motive has been established. It was unclear if any of them have attorneys.
Facing multiple counts of simple arson and criminal conspiracy along with West are volunteer firefighters 18-year-old Thomas Gilbert of Elizabeth and 17-year-old Bobby Murray of Oakdale as well as 20-year-old Jeremy West of Oakdale and 25-year-old Kenneth Sweet of Oakdale. Eighteen-year-old Darryl Blount, of Oakdale, faces one count of both charges.
Everyone except Blount also faces one count of simple burglary.
Topics Louisiana
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