Investigators Seeking Lafayette Arsonist

The Lafayette Fire Department is investigating an early morning fire set by an apparent arsonist.

Dispatchers received an emergency call from the Himbola Manor Apartments in the 800 block of Martin Luther King Drive in Lafayette at approximately 8 a.m. Firefighters quickly extinguished a smoldering fire in the apartment complex's office. According to Alton Trahan, the Fire Department's spokesperson, heat damage to the structure was minimal, but smoke damage to the office's interior was substantial.

Investigators were told the office personnel employed there arrived on the scene and discovered the building filled with smoke. Upon further investigation, officials determined a suspect had forced their way into the building earlier and set the fire.

If you have any information on this crime, you are asked to call CrimeStoppers or the Lafayette Fire Department.