Louisiana woman accused of attempting to set mobile home on fire with people inside
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) -- A West Monroe woman is charged with arson after allegedly setting fire to a mobile home with two people inside, authorities said.
Claice J. Harris was arrested Saturday and charged with Aggravated Arson in connection with an incident on Feb. 6.
Authorities said the Ouachita Parish Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 3800 block of New Natchitoches Road in West Monroe on Feb. 6. Upon arrival, authorities observed smoke coming from the corner of the mobile home and an occupant spraying a water hose under the home.
According to court documents, officials confirmed that a strong odor of gasoline was coming from between the corner of the mobile home and the back door. Officials located a gas can and a gas-soaked cloth in the area.
Authorities said officials collected samples of burned debris in the area where the fire originated and submitted the sample to the Northeast Louisiana Crime Lab for testing of the contents for ignitable liquids.
According to court documents, authorities spoke with the male occupant and he advised officials that he was awakened when his guest mentioned that they smelled gas. The male occupant also learned that his guest saw a flashlight moving around outside the home 20 minutes before they smelled the gas.
The male occupant noticed a smoky haze inside the home and exited the residence, finding the fire. Authorities discovered that the male occupant had some issues with Harris earlier that evening. During their conversation through text messages, the male occupant told Harris that she was not welcome back on his property and he placed her belongings outside of the home.
After authorities collected more data, they determined that the fire was intentionally set and an arrest warrant was issued for Harris. Her bond was set at $30,500.
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