Webster Parish - Vinton man flees domestic dispute to commit arson

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A man who allegedly set fire to a local business then remained inside until Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputies pulled him unconscious from the smoldering structure is facing a number of charges in relation to the incident.

Sheriff Jason Parker said the man, 36-year-old Jordan Tomlinson of Vinton, is currently listed in critical condition and has been transferred from Minden Medical Center to Oschner LSU Health Center in Shreveport. He reportedly was pulled from the smoking building by deputies Lt. Coby Barton, Sgt. Damian Christian and Dep. Derrick Phelps who had responded to a call for assistance around 6:40 a.m. Thursday.

Deputies reportedly had been called to the residence/business in the 100 block of Dewberry Lane just before midnight Wednesday in reference to a domestic dispute that had become physical. At that time, deputies reportedly learned Tomlinson had been told to permanently leave the residence where he had been living with his girlfriend, who is owner of the home and business.

Following an argument, Tomlinson allegedly walked to the business shop and began using a torch to burn items inside. When the owner tried to intervene, a physical confrontation reportedly occurred.

According to a statement from the business owner, Tomlinson reportedly said he intended to “set this b**** on fire and go up in flames with it.”

Tomlinson reportedly left the area before deputies arrived to answer the initial call, but returned early Thursday morning and allegedly started another fire. When deputies arrived, they observed heavy smoke pouring from the building and were told Tomlinson was still inside. According to investigators’ reports, the business owner had attempted to extinguish the fire, and reportedly heard moans coming from inside. Deputies reportedly entered the smoking building, found Tomlinson alive but unconscious and safely carried him outside.

Preliminary examinations reportedly showed no serious burns, but Tomlinson was believed to be suffering from smoke inhalation. He was transported to Minden Medical Center, then transferred to Shreveport.

Tomlinson reportedly is facing a Webster Parish charge of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment as a result of the first complaint call. The Louisiana State Fire Marshall reportedly has charged him with aggravated arson, simple arson and simple burglary.

He reportedly will be placed in custody when he is released from the hospital.

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