Louisiana Man Arrested for Arson after Allegedly Setting His Truck on Fire

Louisiana firefighters were called out to investigate a situation where a truck was on fire on Gloria Switch Road on March 23.

The truck was a total loss.

What Were Officials Investigating?

According to the Lafayette Fire Department Investigator and Public Information Officer, Alton Trahan, they were called out to investigate in order to determine how the truck caught fire.

Trahan says that as they investigated the case, they determined that the evidence pointed to the truck owner's responsibility for the fire.

Who Was Arrested?

According to information obtained while the investigation was ongoing, officials arrested 28-year-old Tristen Charpenter of Carencro for allegedly setting fire to the truck.

What Charges Was He Arrested For?

Deputies with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office arrested Charpenter at around 6 o'clock in the evening on Tuesday, April 8, on the following charges:

• Arson With Intent To Defraud
• Cruelty To Animals

READ MORE: MAN ACCUSED OF SETTING HIS TRUCK ON FIRE ON I-49

Why Was The Man Charged With Cruelty To Animals?

Investigator Trahan tells us,

During the investigation, we learned his dog was initially inside the vehicle when he allegedly set the truck on fire. He did remove the dog from the truck before the fire progressed.

What Was The Man's Alleged Motivation?

Trahan says that the reason the man allegedly set his truck on fire was for the insurance money.