Owner intentionally set fire at Greenwood Shoes, authorities say

Fire investigators have determined that a fire that heavily damaged a local business was intentionally set, and have arrested the owner for alleged arson.

According to a press release from the Lafayette Fire Department, David Leblanc, 56, owner of Greenwood Shoes on Jefferson Street, was charged with arson with intent to defraud. Investigators believe that insurance fraud was a motivating factor in the fire.

The fire originated in the stock room area of the shoe store, according to an earlier Daily Advertiser report. The interior of the store sustained heavy fire and smoke damage, and adjacent buildings sustained minor smoke damage.

At the time, Leblanc told investigators that the business was closed that evening.The owner of the building and upstairs apartment was out of town at the time of the fire. No one was injured.

Leblanc was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center Wednesday morning.