Two teens are in custody and facing aggravated arson charges in connection with a fire at the Covington Walmart.
The suspects, aged 17 and 15, are accused of setting off a flare in the aisle of the automotive section of the store Sunday night around 8:15 p.m.
According to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, the ensuing fire consumed the aisle and forced store officials to evacuate the nearly 200 customers who were inside the store at the time.
Nobody was injured.
Investigators say tipsters provided them the names and locations of the suspects after they released a surveillance photo from the store. That, they say, led to their arrest Monday afternoon.
The teens, whose names have not been released because of their ages, were booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. In addition to the aggravated arson charge, they’re facing conspiracy and manufacture and possession of a delayed action incendiary device charges.
