Jefferson Parish authorities say they suspect a fire that caused $100,000 worth of damage to the Christmas displays at Metairie's Lafreniere Park was intentionally set.
The blaze was discovered about 4 a.m. Dec. 26 inside Christmas at Lafreniere Park, the popular annual light display that attracts thousands of visitors, said Sgt. Brandon Veal, spokesperson for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.
Two sheds that are part of the animatronic displays on Pavilion Island were damaged along with several other decorations, Veal said.
Detectives recovered "several items from the burn site that are believed to be of evidentiary importance," said Veal, who did not disclose what investigators found.
Anyone with information about the fires is asked to call the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office Arson Section at 504-364-5300. The public can also call Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-7867. Callers do not have to give their names or testify and can earn a $2,500 reward for information that leads to an indictment.