Fire at Home of Monroe, La., City Marshal Candidate Ruled Arson

Louisiana state fire investigators have ruled that a fire at the home of Monroe city marshal candidate Chris Handy was arson.

Ric Abbott, arson investigator with the state Fire Marshal’s Office, said the fire city is still under investigation and will continue to be reviewed in light of the new finding.

He confirmed a dog used at the scene detected an accelerant at the home.

Handy said the fire broke out in the doorway of his home at about 3:30 a.m. July 14.

This is the second incident at Handy’s house since he made it known he was going to run against incumbent City Marshal Wince Highshaw Junior, whom Handy claims has been intimidating him for weeks.

On July 2, the day he announced his intentions to run, Handy claims someone egged his truck, which was parked at his residence.

Information from: The News-Star, www.thenewsstar.com