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A Larose man is charged in the burglary and arson of a boat in the south Lafourche area last month.
On Aug. 20, 2019, a fire was reported at a boat repair business in Larose.
A boat on dry dock at the business had caught fire. Firefighters from Lafourche Parish Fire District 3 responded and extinguished the fire, but the board sustained significant damage.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office also responded to investigate into the early morning hours of the following day.
It was determined the fire was likely started by arson.
During investigation, deputies learned the boat had been burglarized after learning that several items were found to be missing from the boat. Nearby surveillance cameras captured images of a man on a bike who appeared to enter the boat and take several items around the time the fire started.
That man was identified as Richard Willyard, 37, of Larose.
On Sept. 5, LPSO detectives and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office contacted Willyard at his residence and he was placed under arrest.
Authorities located a bike in his yard that matched the one in the video.
Willyard is charged with simple arson and simple burglary.
Bond is set at $40,000.
