Louisiana Fire Marshal arrests man for allegedly setting fire to Monroe church

• A fire occurred at St. Mary’s Number 2 Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana on March 30.
• Nicky Lavelle Coleman, 49, was arrested and charged with simple arson of a religious building.
• Surveillance footage allegedly shows Coleman setting the fire.

The Louisiana State Marshal’s Office has arrested a man who allegedly set fire to a Monroe church.

Monroe Fire Department was dispatched just before 2 p.m. March 30 to St. Mary’s Number 2 Missionary Baptist Church at 100 Williams St. on reports of a fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered heavy smoke coming from the church. Within minutes, they extinguished the blaze.

Surveillance video from a business across the street shows Nicky Lavelle Coleman, 49, allegedly setting the church on fire. “We are hoping the public can help us identify and locate the person/persons responsible,” the fire marshal’s office said.

Coleman has been booked into Ouachita Correctional Center on one count of simple arson of a religious building.

More: Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a church fire in Monroe

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.