An Albany, LA resident shot a man who was allegedly trying to set a home on fire with someone inside. Authorities have ruled the shooting an act of self-defense, and the suspect now faces attempted arson charges.

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ALBANY, LA (3-minute read) — A potentially deadly situation in the Albany area was stopped Tuesday afternoon when an armed individual took swift action to prevent a house fire. Deputies with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence around 3 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting.

When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. However, the shooting turned out to be more than just a violent dispute. It was a desperate act to stop a dangerous crime.

Self-Defense Shooting Prevents House Fire

According to investigators, the wounded man had doused the interior of the home with gasoline and was preparing to set it on fire, all while someone was still inside. In response, the armed resident fired a shot to stop the act. Authorities now believe the shooting was justified.

“During our investigation, it was learned prior to being shot, the person with the gunshot wound had poured gasoline on the house floor & was attempting to set it ablaze with someone inside,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “The shot was fired in an attempt to stop that from happening.”

The shooter, who was initially taken in for questioning, has since been cleared of wrongdoing based on current evidence. The wounded suspect has been charged with Attempted Aggravated Arson, a serious felony in Louisiana that can carry lengthy prison time.

This incident underscores the real-world complexities of defensive firearm use. While many firearm owners prepare for scenarios involving intruders or theft, situations like this (where the threat involves arson) demand quick judgment and calm under pressure.

The identities of both individuals involved have not been released. The investigation remains active, and more details could emerge as the case develops.

Safety Tip: If you choose to keep a firearm for home defense, ensure it is safely stored yet accessible, and that all household members are trained in basic safety and emergency protocols.