New Orleans Man Accused of Setting Two Men on Fire Arrested

NEW ORLEANS, La. - A New Orleans man is behind bars after police say he deliberately set two men on fire in separate attacks just days apart.

According to the New Orleans Police Department, 32-year-old Allen Harris was arrested and booked on two counts of attempted murder following the disturbing incidents in New Orleans' Seventh Ward.

NOPD say both victims suffered serious burns.

Get our free mobile app

Police Say Two Separate Attacks Happened Days Apart

The first attack reportedly happened on Aug. 3 in the 1900 block of North Roman Street.

Investigators say Harris approached a man, poured a flammable liquid on him and then set him on fire.

READ MORE: Livingston Parish Couple Arrested After Disturbing Animal Abuse Investigation

The second incident allegedly happened just five days later, on Aug. 8, in the 1600 block of Elysian Fields Avenue.

According to police, the second attack followed a similar pattern, with the victim allegedly being doused with a flammable substance before being set on fire.

Jail

Surveillance Video Helped Investigators

Authorities say surveillance footage from a gas station near the second reported attack captured Harris inside the business on Aug. 8.

The store's manager also told police that surveillance video showed one of the victims entering the business about 10 minutes after the alleged attack.

From WAFB -

Surveillance video from the gas station on that block shows Harris in the store on Aug. 8. The store’s manager says the same camera shows one of his victims entering the store 10 minutes later. 'It was, you know, horrific. I was scared as well. I’m having goosebumps still. So he just walked in fully burned. His skin was falling off as per the video that I saw. I don’t know how can anyone do something for someone like that'.

New Orleans Neighbors Describe The Attacks As Disturbing

Cornell Richardson, who lives on North Roman Street, spoke to WAFB and described the first attack as "devilish" and said nobody should be treated that way.

Allen Harris Faces Two Attempted Murder Charges

Suspect Allen Harris was arrested and booked on two counts of attempted murder, according to New Orleans police.

The charges stem from the Aug. 3 and Aug. 8 incidents in the Seventh Ward.

READ MORE: Louisiana Man Accused of Running Drug Vending Machine

The allegations against Harris are accusations at this point, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The investigation is ongoing, and more information could be released as the case moves forward.