Executive Summary
- Michael Bush, 19, has been charged with aggravated arson by Louisiana authorities.
- Fires were reported at a residence on Carolyn Drive and an occupied convenience store on River Road.
- St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s deputies detained the suspect after witnesses reported a man running from the scene.
- No injuries were reported despite the commercial property being occupied at the time.
Authorities have charged a 19-year-old man with aggravated arson in connection with intentional fires set at a residence and an occupied commercial property in Destrehan, Louisiana, state officials confirmed. The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal announced the arrest following a joint investigation with local law enforcement.
The incident began when the East St. Charles Fire Department responded to a structural fire in the 90 block of Carolyn Drive at approximately 4:45 a.m. on February 21. Fire officials subsequently requested the assistance of state investigators to determine the origin of the blaze. According to the State Fire Marshal’s report, the fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
During the response, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office provided investigators with witness accounts describing a man fleeing the area shortly after the fire started. Deputies located and detained the suspect, identified as Michael Bush of Destrehan. Further investigation by the Fire Marshal’s office linked Bush to a second fire at a nearby convenience store in the 14000 block of River Road. Although the business was occupied at the time of the incident, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Investigative Outlook
The swift identification and apprehension of the suspect underscore the effectiveness of immediate witness reporting and inter-agency collaboration between fire and police services. The charge of aggravated arson reflects the elevated severity of the crime, particularly as the commercial venue was occupied, posing a direct threat to public safety. As the case proceeds, prosecutors will likely rely on forensic evidence connecting the suspect to both ignition points to establish a pattern of intent.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
