KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, Louisiana |Lake Charles Teen accused of burning Port Barre boy

Lake Charles Teen accused of burning Port Barre boy

January 5, 2006
Reported by the Associated Press

A Louisiana youth suspected of setting fire to a 7-year-old boy in his home state has been arrested in Kansas.

Wichita police Lieutenant Russell Leeds says the 15-year-old was taken into custody yesterday afternoon.

He's described as a Hurricane Rita evacuee from Lake Charles, who had been staying in Port Barre. The search for him led to Kansas after authorities learned he may have fled to Wichita.

Port Barre Police Chief David Richard says the teen is charged with attempted first-degree murder in the December 22nd incident.

Police believe the 15-year-old was burning trash when seven-year-old Frankie Levier walked up. Richard says the teen is accused of pouring gasoline on the boy and on the fire, causing flames to reach the child. Levier suffered third-degree burns on 50 percent of his body.