Victim ID’d in BPD fire

BALDWIN — Authorities have identified a Baldwin man who authorities said set himself on fire Monday afternoon while in custody of the Baldwin Police Department.     

Edmond “Ray” Robertson Jr. of Baldwin, 28, is being treated for third-degree burns he suffered. Robertson was airlifted from Franklin Foundation to Lady of the Lourdes Hospital  in Lafayette, according to Baldwin Police Chief Harry Smith Jr. 

Smith said he spoke with the victim’s family members Tuesday morning. “I still have no word on the extent of his burns but family members I spoke with said he was taken into surgery this morning,” Smith said.

Later Tuesday, a family member who lives in Baldwin confirmed his uncle suffered third-degree burns. He also said the victim is scheduled for more surgery on Thursday.

Robertson was arrested and charged with shoplifting at Raintree Market, Smith said. Soon after being taken into custody, Crystal Bell, Baldwin police department secretary, said she smelled smoke. Robertson was discovered on fire and so was the cell. 

The Baldwin Police Department is facing the daunting task of finding a new home to continue daily operations, Smith said. BPD personnel were working all day Tuesday to set up a makeshift office at the old Baldwin Fire Department building on Main Street, he said. 

“For now we are trying to move radios and equipment to the old fire station,” Smith said. “The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office has been handling our calls. We are going to work on getting phone service set up tomorrow.”

It is unknown at this time what charges, if any, Robertson may face once he is released from the hospital. 

The Louisiana Fire Marshal’s office is investigating.

Lance Mire, Baldwin Volunteer Fire Department chief, said late Tuesday that Robertson was in critcal condition. Mire also said the police department building likely was a total loss.