A Cameron man is facing charges of simple arson after the State Fire Marshal's Office says he set fire to a home and a stolen horse saddle belonging to a former friend.
Deputies arrested 39-year-old Zack Wheeler on Tuesday, September 24 in connection with the investigation into an August 11 house fire.
The house fire occurred in the 2500 block of Red Davis Road in Lake Charles.
During that investigation it was determined that the fire was intentionally set and Wheeler was identified as a suspect.
The homeowner told investigators that he had also received evidence of the whereabouts of a horse saddle that was stolen from his property in Cameron Parish.
An assessment of the evidence into the stolen property determined that Wheeler was in possession of the saddle and had allegedly burned it.
Investigators say that their deputies learned that Wheeler and the property owner were friends but that their relationship became strained when Wheeler blamed him for his relationship ending.
The friend had also allegedly reported concerning behavior by Wheeler towards him and Wheeler's ex-girlfriend.
Wheeler was already booked into the Calcasieu Parish Jail on unrelated charges.
Investigators say he was booked on additional charges of Simple Arson and Criminal Trespass.
Wheeler is also facing Simple Arson and Theft charges in Cameron Parish.
