January 21, 2026 | From New Orleans Fire Department
Suspect Arrested for Bywater Arson Incidents
In the early morning of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) Fire Investigators apprehended a suspect believed responsible for the Monday, January 19th string of arsons in the city’s Bywater neighborhood. Descriptions of the incidents are as follows:
- On Monday, January 19, 2026, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) responded to vehicle fire in the 900 block of Montegut St that led to the discovery of several other vehicle fires in the neighborhood.
- Firefighters extinguishing a vehicle fire in 3100 block of Dauphine St noticed working fire at occupied dwelling at 3138-40 Dauphine Street and immediately requested a full one-alarm response.
- A total of eight vehicles were extinguished in the Bywater neighborhood. The incidents occurred in the 3100 block of Dauphine Street, the 800 block of Desire Street, the 900 block of Desire Street, and the 700 block of Montegut Street, along with a two-story occupied dwelling fire at 3138–3140 Dauphine Street.
Immediately following these incidents, NOFD’s Fire Prevention Division began an investigation using real-time crime camera footage, canvassing, and interviews with Bywater residents. This footage and the assistance given law enforcement partners at the New Orleans Police Department, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Louisiana State Police helped positively identified the suspect during the act of arson.
Investigators obtained a description of the alleged arsonist and later located a ninth vehicle that sustained damage from an incipient-stage fire that extinguished itself. Fire Prevention investigators then obtained additional crime camera footage from the area where the ninth vehicle was discovered.
Based on clothing, pattern of behavior, and frequent locations, NOFD investigators identified a suspect, which ultimately led to the location where the suspect was arrested. An arrest warrant was issued for Kyle Thomsen. Fire Prevention also obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence, 938 Mazant St., which yielded evidence connected to the crime. That evidence included the clothing worn during the incidents. Thomsen was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated Arson and 9 counts of Simple Arson.
This investigation was led by the New Orleans Fire Department with assistance from the ATF, NOPD, and the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal. NOFD also thanks Crime Stoppers and the citizens of the Bywater neighborhood who provided information that helped bring this case to a quick resolution.
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