Police and fire briefs for Feb. 22, 2012
Woman accused of setting houses ablaze
A woman was arrested Sunday for allegedly setting a North 31st Street home on fire earlier this month after warning the person living there that the music she played in her vehicle was too loud, an affidavit of probable cause says.
Julia Grayer, 36, and two children pulled up to 1428 N. 31st St. at 2:25 p.m. Feb. 6 in a 1998 Buick LeSabre with chrome wheels and a skull-and-crossbones sticker on the trunk, the affidavit says.
Grayer left the children in the car while she poured gasoline on the front porch and lit the liquid on fire, the affidavit says.
No one was inside the residence at the time of the fire, which spread to a nearby residence that was occupied, the affidavit says.
That person escaped his burning home unharmed, the affidavit says.
Grayer, 3661 Brady St., was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on one count each of aggravated arson and terrorizing.
1 booked with DWI
in EBR Parish Prison
Authorities arrested at least one person suspected of driving while intoxicated in East Baton Rouge Parish and booked him into Parish Prison between 2:30 p.m. Monday and 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, booking records show.
Brian Ward, 43, 11423 St. Lawrence Drive, was booked with first-offense DWI, reckless operation of a vehicle, drinking in a motor vehicle, disobeying a red light and speeding.
Man arrested in car strike on people, cars
A 29-year-old man was arrested Sunday for allegedly hitting two people with a vehicle earlier this month in the parking lot of Hollywood Casino on River Road, an affidavit of probable cause says.
Jerminey Bennett used his vehicle on Feb. 12 to hit two people standing in the parking lot, the affidavit says.
Bennett also hit four vehicles in the parking lot before he ran away, the affidavit says.
Bennett was found Sunday at a Baton Rouge residence after police were called to the residence regarding a disturbance, the affidavit says.
Bennett, 5125 Stearns St., was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on two counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count each of simple criminal damage to property, aggravated criminal damage to property and hit-and-run.
Compiled from staff reports. To talk to a crime reporter at The Advocate, call (225) 388-0369.