BEAUREGARD PARISH (June 21, 2024) – The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) is urgently seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating a suspect wanted in connection with a car dealership fire that occurred in November in the Deridder area.
On Saturday, November 18, around 4:30 a.m., the Rosepine Fire Department responded to a fire call at the Benoit Ford dealership, located in the 18000 block of Johnnie B Hall Memorial Highway in Deridder. The devastating blaze consumed the entire building, including all of the dealership’s contents and inventory.
During the investigation, tips, pictures, and videos provided by the public helped deputies determine that the fire was intentionally set. Investigators now need the public’s help once more to identify and locate the person responsible.
Attached still images from the scene show what appears to be a young male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a dark-colored hoodie and skinny jeans, walking around the dealership’s property around 4 a.m. The fire was reported by a passerby about 30 minutes later.
The SFM is asking anyone with information about the suspect’s identity and whereabouts to contact the SFM Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221. Information can also be shared through the online tip form available at lasfm.org.
The SFM expresses its gratitude to the community in advance for any assistance provided to help solve this case.
For further information, contact:
State Fire Marshal’s Office
Arson Hotline: 1-844-954-1221
Online Tip Form: lasfm.org
