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BOGALUSA, La. — A Bogalusa man, Christopher Conerly Sr., 29, faces charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated arson following his arrest on Friday, Feb. 9, after allegedly setting fire to an apartment with two occupants inside, including an infant.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, Feb. 6, prompted a response from the Bogalusa Fire Department to the 700 block of Redmond Heights. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a smoldering fire at the doorway of the apartment. Quick actions from the apartment’s occupants, a person and an infant, helped in extinguishing the blaze before it could spread further.

Investigations by the State Fire Marshal (SFM) determined the fire was intentionally set, leading to the identification of Conerly, who resided in the apartment, as the primary suspect. Conerly was subsequently arrested in Marion County, Mississippi, with assistance from local deputies, before being booked into the Washington Parish Jail.

In addition to the charges of attempted second-degree murder and aggravated arson, Conerly faces further charges from other law enforcement agencies.

The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal, in a statement, extended gratitude to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their support in apprehending Conerly. The investigation into the arson remains ongoing, with further details to be released as they become available.