Following a joint investigation between the State Fire Marshal’s Office and St. Tammany Fire Protection District #1, a New Orleans East man has been arrested for burning and/or damaging almost a dozen vehicles across the Slidell area.
62 YO Michael Jackson was booked into the St. Tammany Jail on one count each of Aggravated Arson and Simple Arson. Additional charges are expected.
The first incident occurred in the early morning hours of December 23 at an apartment complex located in the 400 block of Voters Road. Two vehicles were set on fire and a third received damage due to exposure to one of the vehicles as it was burning.
The second incident occurred at the same location on January 4th, also in the early morning hours. This time, three vehicles were set ablaze while three others received damage.
The third incident occurred in the early morning hours of January 30 in the 1300 block of Westlawn Drive in Slidell. One vehicle was set on fire while sitting in the driveway of an occupied home.
During the investigation, deputies learned a common victim was an ex-girlfriend of Jackson’s. Other victims included her new boyfriend as well as a female friend and her husband who had been helping the ex-girlfriend with replacement vehicles and a new place to stay as the incidents continued to occur. With the assistance of the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, Jackson was taken into custody on January 31 and booked in connection with the case.
St. Tammany Fire Protection District #1 Chief Chris Kaufmann said the investigation was a great example of resources working together promptly for a quick arrest and to bring justice to the victims.
