801 Crockett Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101
318/ 673-6655 ● FAX: 318/ 673-6656 ● www.shreveportfire.org

Kelvin J. Cochran, Fire Chief

April 19, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Arson Suspect Arrested in Morning House Fire

Five occupants escape without injury - arsonist burnt

Shreveport fire investigators arrested a Shreveport man this morning after he allegedly set a house with five people inside on fire. The fire happened at 5:30 a.m. in the 3000 block of Drexel. When firefighters arrived on the scene the entire structure was pouring smoke and flames were coming from the back and roof-line of the home. After 20 minutes of intense fighting, crews were able to bring the blaze under control but not before it had done extensive damage to the single story brick structure.

Fire investigators, acting on information provided by residents of the home, were able to narrow the focus of their investigation to one suspect. According to investigators, Reginald Johnson, 34, of Shreveport, an estranged boyfriend of one of the home’s occupants, set the fire. Investigators were told by another occupant that Johnson was sleeping in the home at 3009 Drexel - next door to the fire home. When questioned, Johnson first denied any wrongdoing concerning the fire but later confessed to investigators that he had caused the blaze. Officials said Johnson poured gasoline into an attached storage room on the back of the Sunset Acres residence. For Johnson’s sake, the fumes from the gasoline were ignited prematurely by a hot water heater in the room and flashed-over. The flash-over left Johnson with minor burns and singed hair but otherwise unharmed.

Johnson was taken into custody by Fire Investigator, Captain Randy Stephens. Because of the life safety issues involved, Johnson was charged with aggravated arson: a felony crime that carries a maximum fine of $5,000 and 20 years in jail. He was booked into city jail following the arrest. ###