Martrell LaShawn Tuco, 37, of LaPlace was arrested after throwing a rock, shattering the window of a police unit in the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office parking lot in LaPlace, then setting fire to a local business.
On Thursday, September 8, 2022, about 9:30 a.m., officers discovered a shattered front passenger window on a police unit in the parking lot of the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office on West Airline Highway.
Shortly after, officers responded to a fire at a business on LA 628 in LaPlace. After an assessment of the scene at the LaPlace business, investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was intentionally set.
Through investigation and review of SJSO surveillance video in the areas of the incidents, detectives developed Tuco as a suspect in both cases.
Tuco was located at his LaPlace residence. Upon Tuco’s apprehension, officers discovered a candle, a lighter and rock similar to the rock found near the police unit in Tuco’s pocket.
Tuco was charged with simple criminal damage to property – under $1,000 (MISD); and aggravated arson– inhabited dwelling. Tuco is being held custody in lieu of a $9,500 bond.