Suspect Arrested in Lafayette County Arson Fires

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man connected to two arson fires that occurred overnight Monday into Tuesday, officials reported. The fires took place at two residences in Lafayette County, prompting a coordinated response from multiple agencies.

At approximately 8:55 p.m. Monday, Lafayette County E-911 received a call about a barn and vehicle on fire at a local residence. Deputies and the Lafayette County Fire Department responded to the scene. Investigators say Alexander Everett Kent, 27, of Oxford, drove a vehicle into a detached shop at his parents’ home and set fire to both the vehicle and the structure before fleeing.

While firefighters were still on scene, a second fire was reported at around 10:21 p.m. at another residence. A vehicle inside the attached garage was on fire, and four occupants were evacuated without injury. Authorities launched an overnight search for the suspect, utilizing K-9 Louc and a drone deployed by Oxford police.

By 7 a.m. Tuesday, deputies located and apprehended Kent. Sheriff East praised the cooperation among agencies, including the Lafayette County Fire Department, Oxford Police Department, and Baptist Ambulance Service. Kent is currently detained at the Lafayette County Detention Center, facing charges of two counts of arson and one count of felony malicious mischief.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released further details at this time.

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