Haughton alderman arrested for torching his own house
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: November 8, 2012
A man elected alderman Tuesday for the town of Haughton may miss a few meetings after being arrested this afternoon for burning down his own house.
Phillip D. Smith, 38, Republican who ran unopposed for town alterman, into custody after he admitted to investigators he torched his own house Wednesday evening.
Smith, of the 130 block of Camp Zion Road in Haughton, was charged with aggravated arson and taken to the Bossier Maximum Security facility.
Haughton Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the house fire at Smith's residence early Wednesday evening.
A neighbor helped Smith extinguish the fire, but not before damage was caused to the kitchen and master bathroom. An initial assessment revealed that someone had intentionally set the fire, and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office and Bossier Sheriff's Office began their investigation.
When they interviewed Smith earlier today, he admitted to setting the fire. Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office estimates about $20,000 in fire and smoke damage. No other persons are being charged.
Smith was transported to the Bossier Maximum Security Facility and booked; bond is pending.
