Officials with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office say they have arrested a man on the accusation that he intentionally set his own truck on fire because he was attempting to defraud his insurance company.

What Do We Know About The Case?

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan Adams' office says at around 4 o'clock on the morning of Saturday, January 11, firefighters were called out to respond after the call came in that a truck was on fire on Interstate 49.

According to officials, when firefighters rolled up to the scene on the interstate, the 2024 Chevrolet 1500 truck was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters began to respond immediately and deputies with the Stae Fire Marshal's Office also went out to the scene not only to help with the fire, but also to investigate the circumstances surrounding the truck's fire.

Investigators began talking with 44-year-old Thomas Tyler about the circumstances surrounding the fire that engulfed his truck. At that time, Tyler told investigators he flicked a cigarette out of the truck's window. He claims the cigarette ignited a gas can in the back of his truck.

Arson Truck
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal
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What Do Investigators Say Tyler Told Them?

State Fire Marshal deputies continued to investigate the situation. As conversations about the incident continued, officials say Tyler took back his original story about the cigarette and gas can. Investigators say he then confessed to setting his truck on fire.

On Monday, March 24, the Stonewall man was arrested for attempting to defraud his insurance company by setting his car on fire on Interstate 49 just south of the Mansfield exit.

Arson Truck 2
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal
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Did You Know Louisiana Has An Arson Tip Hotline?

If you know or suspect that an arson crime case has happened, you can share your information anonymously with state officials.

Anyone with information on an arson case can call 1-844-954-1221.

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