Owner, employee arrested for gas station fire

Jan. 30--The fire occurred on the evening of Jan. 23. Firefighters from Beauregard Fire District No.4 responded to the call. The store was located in the 200 block of Highway 26 in DeRidder.

The State Fire Marshal's Office (SFM) conducted an investigation to determine what exactly was the cause of the fire. The SFM's investigation determined that the fire was intentionally started by Treme and Cooley.

Evidence included witness statements, evidence collected at the scene, and video surveillance footage.

Treme was the owner of the gas station and allegedly conspired with Cooley to burn it down to collect insurance money. Cooley was an employee of Treme and a relative of his. SFM investigators interviewed Cooley, who subsequently admitted to helping Treme set the gas station on fire.

Both were arrested and booked into the BPSO jail on Jan. 29. Arson with intent to defraud is a serious crime and carries a lofty penalty. If convicted, both men could face a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. No injuries were reported from the fire.

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