Baton Rouge, La. – On August 26, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Forestry enforcement agents were informed by the Natalbany Fire Department of a suspicious individual who threatened to ignite a massive fire despite knowing the current statewide burn ban.
As LDAF agents and Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies tried to locate the suspect, a call was made to the local 911 office from someone near Old Genessee Road close to LA Highway 1065 in Tickfaw, disclosing his intentions to start a large fire.
Upon finding the suspect, he ignored all verbal orders and attempted to flee in his vehicle. Following a short scuffle, the suspect was detained and identified as 37-year-old Robin Crawford from Tickfaw, LA. The Natalbany Fire Department and LDAF Wildland Firefighters arrived on the scene to manage the vast fire ignited.
Crawford was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on multiple charges:
- Flight from an officer
- Resisting an officer (2 counts)
- Misuse of 911
- Simple escape
- Simple arson
- Communicating false information of planned arson
- Violation of burn ban
- Fugitive (St Tammany Parish)
All accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The public is encouraged to report any forestry-related crimes to the LDAF 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323.