Man arrested for allegedly starting fires at 2 Denham Springs schools

LIVINGSTON PARISH, La. (WAFB) - A Denham Springs man whose home is reportedly under investigation for residential fires was arrested for allegedly starting fires at two schools over the summer.

According to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, officers arrested Jason Jones, 38, on two counts of simple arson and two counts of criminal trespass on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Jones is accused of intentionally starting a fire early Sunday morning, May 26, on Range Avenue at Denham Springs High School, as well as a fire early Saturday morning, Aug. 31, on Highway 16 at Seventh Ward Elementary School.

According to the fire marshal’s office, the suspect entered the high school campus on a bicycle and left toward Robbie Street shortly before the fire department was alerted.

Surveillance video showed the suspect arriving and leaving on foot for the elementary school fire, according to the fire marshal’s office.

Officials stated another agency investigating residential fires at Jones’ home this past week made the connection after noticing Jones’ resemblance to the previously released surveillance video images.

Detectives said Jones admitted his involvement in both cases and was then arrested. He was booked into the Livingston Parish Jail.

Firefighters contained the high school fire to the English hall on the west side of the campus, but officials estimate it caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.

The elementary school fire was contained to a portable building at the back of campus, but officials say it is a total loss.

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