State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies arrested a Chopin man for intent to defraud by intentionally setting fire to his pickup truck.

James Travis Watkins (45) of 226 Spurgeon Road, Chopin, admitted to SFM deputies that he set his 2015 Ford F-250 pickup truck on fire. Deputies booked Watkins into the Grant Parish Detention Center Wednesday on a charge of Arson with Intent to Defraud.

On April 22 the Grant Parish Fire District #6 responded at 5:15 p.m. to a truck fire at the intersection of Meade Road and Highway 492 in Colfax. When they arrived, they found the truck on fire.

Through investigation, scene examination and interviews determined Watkins committed the crime. During questioning, SFM investigators say Watkins admitted to lighting his truck on fire.

Anyone with information regarding any suspected arson case is asked to submit tips through our Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or online at lasfm.org. All tips can be submitted anonymously.