By ROBIN SHANNON

Staff Reporter

HAHNVILLE – Authorities in St. Charles Parish are seeking out suspects who started a fire at a Boutte residence in the early morning hours of July 4, endangering the lives of the home’s occupants.

Sgt. Dwayne LaGrange, public information officer for the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office, said several people were asleep inside the home, located at 323 River Ridge Dr. in Boutte, when an unknown subject or subjects threw a road flare attached to 40-ounce beer bottle into a bedroom window. He said the incident happened about 3:40 a.m. Friday.

“The victims said they heard the sound of broken glass,” said LaGrange. “Shortly thereafter, the room erupted in flames. When officers arrived on the scene, everyone was out of the house.”

LaGrange said Boutte firefighters spent several hours extinguishing the flames, which caused extensive damage to the home. None of the home’s occupants were injured during the incident.

According to statements from the victims, the suspect is believed to be someone they know. LaGrange said the incident is still under investigation. There are no suspects, and no motive has been determined at this time. He said that anyone who may have information on the incident should contact the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office at 985-783-6807.