By Baptist Message staff
DERIDDER, La. (LBM) – Authorities are investigating an early morning attempted arson that took place May 31 at First Baptist DeRidder.
According to a news release from the DeRidder Police Department, the suspect appeared to be a heavy set white male attempted to set fire to the church. He was driving a small, dark SUV and approached the church from U.S.
Highway 171 South and headed back in the same direction after the incident. The suspect may have minor to moderate burns to his arms and legs, the news release said.
An arson suspect may have minor to moderate burns to his arms and legs. DPD photo
“The people of First Baptist DeRidder met at our Associational office while their facility was being investigated as a crime scene,” Beauregard Baptist Associational Mission Strategist Tom Bruce told the Baptist Message. “We prayed for their church, their Gospel witness, and the perpetrator(s).
“Ultimately we knew that as awful as this was, it could have been so much worse and our situation doesn’t even come close to what the church gathered in other parts of the world endures,” he continued. “We know God will bring good out of what the devil wishes to use to destroy. We prayed that this will ignight a revival in the church and around the state.”
Authorities have asked anyone who has any surveillance footage covering Highway 171, 26 or Hwy 112 between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. to call the DeRidder Police Department at 337.462.8911.
Additionally, anyone with more information may contact Crimesstoppers at 337.462.8918. Those leaving a tip will remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward.
The investigation is being conducted by the DeRidder Police Department, DeRidder Fire Department, Beauregard Sheriff’s Department and Louisiana Fire Marshall’s Office.
