Hours after seeking assistance from the public to identify and locate two suspects in connection with a fire inside the Covington Wal-Mart, the two suspects have been arrested.
The 17 YO and 15 YO boys, both from Covington, were booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center on one count each of Aggravated Arson, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Arson and Manufacture and Possession of a Delayed Action Incendiary Device.
Around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday St. Tammany Fire District #12 responded to a call for a fire inside the Walmart store on North Highway 190 in Covington. The fire consumed an aisle of products in the automotive section. The store, which had at least 200 customers inside at the time, had to be evacuated.
Fortunately, no one was injured.
Following an assessment of the scene, including obtaining video evidence, deputies determined the fire was intentionally set and began asking the public for assistance identifying and locating the two suspects. Thanks to the overwhelming and quick response from the community, State Fire Marshal deputies in partnership with St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office deputies learned the teens’ names and whereabouts and were able to take them into custody yesterday.
