A joint investigation by the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office and Natchitoches Fire District #9 has led to the arrest of a Natchitoches Parish man in connection with a structure fire near Campti on Monday morning according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Office.

On Monday morning April 20th at approximately 8:30am, Natchitoches Fire District #9 and Deputies assigned to the NPSO Patrol Division responded to a reported structure fire in the 600 block of Cloud Crossing Road near Campti, La.  The structure owned by Jennifer Gorum was a total loss.

During the initial stages of the investigation, Campti Fire Chief Doug Rachal Jr. requested the assistance of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office and NPSO Criminal Investigations because the fire appeared to be suspicious. Deputy Fire Marshal’s and NPSO detectives responded to the scene.  As the investigation progressed, detectives obtained information that led to a possible suspect identified as Freddy Perot, 25 of 762 La. Hwy 486, Campti, La.  Deputies say during the investigation, Detective Darrel Winder recovered items believed to be stolen from the residence approximately one mile away off of La. Hwy 486 hidden in the ditch.

On Monday morning, deputies located Perot while traveling on Cloud Crossing Road.    He was transported to the NPSO Criminal Investigations Division for interview purposes.

Detectives say while interviewing Perot, he confessed that he allegedly entered the back window of the residence and burglarized the residence taking the items that were recovered. Perot further stated that he intentionally ignited a fire which caused the residence to burn.

As a result of the investigation,  NPSO Detectives and Fire Marshal Investigators obtained sufficient evidence and probable cause to obtain criminal warrants signed by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge for Perot’s arrest.

On Monday afternoon, Perot was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-count of Simple Burglary and 1-count of Improper Telephone Communications.

On Wednesday, Perot was arrested while in the Natchitoches Detention Center on a criminal warrant obtained by the State Fire Marshal for 1-count of Aggravated Arson in connection with the fire.
Perot remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting bond.

NPSO would also like to thank the citizens in that area that provided valuable information in the investigation.

Press Release: NPSO
04-22-15