PRESS RELEASE
To: NEWSROOM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Asst. Chief Brian Crawford: 673-6652 or cell: 455-2609

February 20, 2007 - Woman arrested for setting house on fire

Shreveport woman was has been charged with Simple Arson

A Shreveport woman was arrested this morning by Fire Investigators after setting her house on fire in the 200 block of E. 71^st Street. Maryland Frieson, 26, has been charged with Simple Arson after she allegedly poured gasoline over combustible materials in a bedroom of the residence and then ignited a fire. Shreveport firefighters responded to the fire just after 9 a.m. and found the home pouring smoke from one side when they arrived. It took fire crews only 10 minutes to bring the fire under control but not before heavy damage was done to the bedroom.

Fire investigators said they do not yet have a motive for the fire but said that Frieson exited the home with three children prior to the fire being detected by neighbors. The fire department used their K-9 to determine whether a petroleum accelerant had been used in the fire and the animal not only alerted (taps paw in manner to indicate substance) on the room but on Frieson’s person as well.

Simple arson carries a 2-15 year prison sentence and up to a $15,000 fine for a conviction. Frieson and all three children were not injured in the incident. The children are said to be staying with family. Frieson was booked into Shreveport City Jail.

Mug shot available through e-mail upon request. ###