RICHLAND PARISH (June 4, 2025) – State Fire Marshal (SFM) deputies have extradited an Oak Grove man from Arkansas to face numerous charges in connection to an apartment fire in Delhi.
On Thursday, May 29, 2025, SFM investigators arrested and booked Richard D. Pope (40) into the Richland Parish Detention Center on six counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder and one count each of Aggravated Arson, Impeding a Witness, Obstruction of Justice by Evidence Destruction, and Insurance Fraud.
On May 5, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m., the Delhi Fire Department responded to a fire in the 400 block of Main Street. All six occupants escaped from the apartment building unharmed. SFM investigators were requested to assist with the case and determined Pope intentionally set fire to the occupied apartment building he owned.
Investigators put out a nationwide alert for Pope and on May 22, 2025, Arkansas State Police arrested Pope at a convenience store in Eudora, Arkansas, based on Louisiana warrants obtained by the SFM.
The SFM would like to thank Arkansas State Police, West Carroll Sheriff’s Office, and the Delhi Fire Department for their assistance in this case.
This investigation is ongoing. Any information about this case, or any fire-related crime, can be shared with the SFM by calling our Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or by submitting an online tip form on lasfm.org. All information can be shared anonymously.
