Oxford Man Charged After Two Arson Fires in Lafayette County

Authorities say 27-year-old Alexander Everett Kent set fire to a vehicle and shop at his parents' home, then started another fire at a nearby residence.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The Lafayette County Sheriff's Office has arrested a 27-year-old Oxford man and charged him with two counts of arson and one count of felony malicious mischief after investigators linked him to two separate arson fires reported on Monday night and early Tuesday morning in Lafayette County.

Why it matters

Arson is a serious crime that can endanger lives and cause significant property damage. This case highlights the importance of a coordinated law enforcement response and the use of K-9 units and drones to apprehend a suspected arsonist quickly before he could potentially cause further harm.

The details

According to authorities, the first fire was reported around 8:55 p.m. on Monday, with deputies and firefighters responding to a call about a barn and vehicle on fire at a residence. Investigators determined that Kent had driven a vehicle into a detached shop at his parents' home and then intentionally set fire to both the vehicle and the shop before fleeing. While firefighters were still on the scene, a second fire was reported around 10:21 p.m. at a nearby residence, with the fire starting from a vehicle inside an attached garage. Four occupants were safely evacuated from the home. After an overnight search, Kent was located and arrested around 7 a.m. on Tuesday.

  • The first fire was reported around 8:55 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026.
  • The second fire was reported around 10:21 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026.
  • Kent was located and arrested around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Alexander Everett Kent

A 27-year-old man from Oxford, Mississippi who was arrested and charged with two counts of arson and one count of felony malicious mischief.

Lafayette County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the two arson fires and apprehended the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“Multiple agencies worked together to apprehend Kent safely.”

— Sheriff Joey East, Lafayette County Sheriff (darkhorsepressnow.com)

What’s next

Kent is being held at the Lafayette County Detention Center awaiting an initial court appearance, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of a swift and coordinated law enforcement response to arson incidents, which can quickly escalate and endanger lives and property. The use of K-9 units and drones helped apprehend the suspect, highlighting the value of advanced investigative tools in tackling serious crimes.