Man accused of setting fire inside LaPlace business

Raeven Poole
·1 min read

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

LAPLACE, La. (WGNO) — A Laplace man was arrested after he allegedly started a fire inside a business.

According to the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, at 8 p.m. on April 16, deputies responded to a call of a fire in the 100 block of Belle Terre Boulevard.

Deputies and firefighters arrived at the scene to find a fire in a bathroom stall.

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St. John Parish authorities said the flames were put out immediately.

Through further investigation and after reviewing the surveillance video, officials with the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal were able to identify 38-year-old Martrell LaShawn Tuco as the suspect.

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A warrant was issued and Tuco was arrested on a charge of aggravated arson – inhabited dwelling. Deputies say he was also on a contempt of court warrant and violation of probation.

Tuco is currently being held on a $20,169.50 bond.

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