An Oakdale man has been arrested after being accused of making a homemade explosive device and setting fire to a home with four of his relatives inside, according to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Deputies from the State Fire Marshall’s Office were called to a residence in Oakdale by the Oakdale Police Department on April 6, 2021, to assist them in the investigation of a house fire where suspicious objects were found at the scene.

At the time of the fire, the home had been occupied by two women and two children. Deputies say the fire only damaged a tarp that was located outside the home.

After an investigation of the scene, deputies determined that the suspicious objects were a homemade explosive device.

Craig Paul, 49, was taken in for questioning regarding the case who deputies say then admitted to making the devices and setting the tarp on fire. They also say Paul admitted to the use of illegal drugs and that he struggled with mental illness.

Paul was arrested for two counts of manufacture and possession of a delayed-action incendiary device and aggravated arson.

https://www.kplctv.com/2021/04/13/oakdale-man-accused-making-homemade-explosive-device/