Rapides Parish man charged with arson

An Elizabeth man is accused of trespassing on private property and starting fires that resulted in a wildfire that destroyed 10 acres of timberland, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF).

James E. Doyle, no age given, was arrested by the LDAF Enforcement Division and Rapides Parish Sheriff's Office following an investigation in early January. According to LDAF, Doyle was determined to have trespassed on timber land of an unnamed private company and set two fires, according to LDAF.

Quick action by LDAF firefighters and local volunteer fire departments kept the wildfire started by the two fires Doyle set from spreading past the 10 acres.

Doyle was booked on one count of arson and two counts of criminal trespass and released on $15,000 bond.

Anyone arrested by law enforcement is considered innocent until proven guilty.

The public is urged to report any and all forestry-related crimes to LDAF’s 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323.