A St. Martinville man is accused of intentionally setting two separate fires at his ex-girlfriend’s house in New Iberia.
The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal arrested 36-year-old Ramsay Joseph on July 4.
On June 17, fire crews were called to a mobile home in the 700 block of Field Street in New Iberia.
According to a spokesperson with the State Fire Marshal, investigators determined a fire was purposefully started underneath the trailer.
The homeowner, who was home with her two children when the fire started, told investigators that her ex-boyfriend, Joseph, had left a threatening voicemail about burning her house down a few days prior, the spokesperson says,
On June 20, an arrest warrant was issued for Joseph in connection with the arson.
On the evening of July 4, fire crews were called back to the home.
Investigators determined a fire was purposefully started in three areas of the home: the living room and the floors of two separate bedrooms.
The spokesperson says the homeowner and her children had not been staying in the home since the first fire. The homeowner allegedly told authorities she continued to receive messages from Joseph.
Hours after crews responded to the fire, Joseph was located at the hospital, receiving treatment for injuries he sustained in a fight.
Following his release, Joseph was booked into the Iberia Parish Jail on July 5 on one count each of aggravated arson and violation of a protective order.
Additional charges are possible.
