SHREVEPORT, LA — A Doyline man was arrested in connection with a fire at Arkadelphia Baptist Church in north Caddo Parish, according to the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal. Investigators say Billy Van St. Andry, 38, was taken into custody after the church fire near Rodessa and is being held in the Caddo Correctional Center.

The Facts

• What: State fire marshal investigators arrested a Doyline man in a church fire case involving suspected arson.
• Where: Arkadelphia Baptist Church on Hosston-Rodessa Road, southeast of Rodessa in north Caddo Parish.
• When: The arrest followed an investigation into a fire reported by Caddo Fire District 8.
• Who: Billy Van St. Andry, 38, of Doyline, Louisiana.
• Charges: Anticipated charges include simple arson of a religious building, theft, obstruction and criminal trespass.
• Status: He is booked into the Caddo Correctional Center in Shreveport with bond set at $121,000.

What police say

According to the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal, responders from Caddo Fire District 8 reported the fire to the agency after finding damage at the church. Fire marshal investigators then handled the case as a suspected arson investigation.

Authorities said the arrest stems from that inquiry into the fire near Rodessa. The agency identified the building as Arkadelphia Baptist Church and said the case involves anticipated charges tied to the blaze and related conduct.

No additional details about the cause of the fire or the extent of damage were included in the information released by the fire marshal.

The investigation

In suspected arson cases, investigators typically examine burn patterns, scene conditions, witness statements and any physical evidence that may help determine how a fire started. When a church or other occupied building is involved, the investigation can also include property records, entry points and possible signs of theft or trespass.

The State Fire Marshal said anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip through its website by selecting the “Arson Fires” link. Public tips are often used to help investigators confirm timelines, identify people seen near a fire scene, or find evidence that was not obvious during the initial response.

Even when an arrest has been made, investigators may still be collecting evidence and refining charges before the case is presented to prosecutors. That process can continue after booking and bond are set.

What the charges mean

Simple arson of a religious building is a serious felony allegation under Louisiana law. Cases involving houses of worship are treated with particular concern because the building itself is part of a religious institution and the offense can carry more severe consequences than a basic property fire allegation.

The additional anticipated charges of theft, obstruction and criminal trespass point to accusations that may extend beyond the fire itself. In general, theft involves taking property without permission, criminal trespass involves entering or remaining without authority, and obstruction can refer to conduct that interferes with an investigation.

A bond amount does not determine guilt. It is set to address a defendant’s release conditions before court proceedings move forward. A person held on bond may remain in custody until the amount is posted or the court changes the terms.

What happens next

Van St. Andry will move through the criminal court process as prosecutors review the case and formal charges are considered. If charges are filed, the next steps typically include an appearance in court and later hearings on the evidence and case status.

Meanwhile, investigators can continue seeking information from the public. The State Fire Marshal’s anonymous tip option remains open for anyone who may have seen activity around the church or knows something relevant to the fire.

Have information on a crime? Contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).