January 18, 2008 - Investigators looking for arsonist who set early morning fire

Caddo Height home destroyed

Shreveport Fire Investigators are looking for an arsonist who set a fire that destroyed a Caddo Heights home early this morning just after 6:00 a.m. Firefighters responding to the home in the 1800 block of Rainwater found heavy smoke and flames coming from one side of the single story residence upon their arrival. Occupants Cortez Williams, 29, an unidentified adult female, and a one-year old were able to escape unharmed from the blaze prior to the fire department’s arrival. The fire consumed two rooms and broke through the roof before firefighters could bring it under control at 6:53 a.m.

Williams told fire investigators that he heard something strike the home and went outside to investigate and saw fire traveling up the corner of the residence. Investigators using their trained accelerant K-9 found evidence that the fire was intentionally set. Because there were occupants inside the structure at the time of the fire, the case is considerer aggravated arson - a felony that carries a prison sentence of 6-20 years of hard labor and a $25,000 fine.

If anyone has any information about this or any other arson fire they are asked to contact the Shreveport Fire Prevention Bureau at 673-6740. ###