Oxford Man Arrested After Two Lafayette County Vehicle Arsons

Alexander Everett Kent, 27, of Oxford, was arrested Tuesday morning and charged with two counts of arson and one count of felony malicious mischief after investigators tied him to two separate vehicle fires in Lafayette County, authorities said.

Lafayette County E-911 received the first call about a barn and vehicle on fire at about 8:55 p.m. Monday. While firefighters remained on scene, deputies received a second report of a residence fire at about 10:21 p.m. Investigators say the first blaze began when Kent “drove a vehicle into a detached shop at his parents’ home and then intentionally set fire to both the vehicle and the shop before fleeing.” The second fire began from a vehicle inside an attached garage at a nearby home; deputies and firefighters helped four occupants out of that house and no injuries were reported.

The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office led an overnight search that included K-9 tracking and assistance from the Oxford Police Department, which deployed a drone. Officials issued a public safety alert asking residents in the Highway 30 East and County Road 251 areas to remain vigilant. Deputies located and arrested Kent about 7 a.m. Tuesday; he was booked into the Lafayette County Detention Center at about 7:30 a.m. and is being held pending an initial court appearance or bond hearing, county officials said.

Sheriff Joey East praised the coordinated response by local agencies. “I’m extremely proud of how multiple agencies worked together to apprehend Mr. Kent safely and without further harm to property,” East said. “LCSO appreciates the assistance of Lafayette County Fire Department, Oxford Police Department, and Baptist Ambulance Service.” Authorities also said they believe Kent was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incidents.

The events underscored immediate public-safety concerns for neighborhoods near Highway 30 East and County Road 251, where residents received the sheriff’s office alert. Fire crews responded quickly and prevented reported injuries, but two structures and at least two vehicles were burned, and investigators continue to assess the extent of property damage and the sequence of events.

Kent faces state felony charges for the alleged arson attacks, and prosecutors will determine charging strategy as investigators compile evidence. The sheriff’s office described the investigation as ongoing. Kent is expected to appear before a judge for a bond hearing either today or Wednesday, according to court scheduling reported by local coverage.

For Lafayette County residents, the case highlights both the importance of rapid interagency response and the intersection of criminal law and mental-health concerns. Authorities expect to release additional details as the investigation and court process proceed.