Lafayette County Manhunt Ends With Arson Arrest

A manhunt for a Lafayette County arson suspect ended Tuesday morning with the arrest of 27-year-old Alexander Kent of Oxford.

Kent faces two counts of arson and one count of felony malicious mischief following two fires reported Monday night. Authorities said no injuries were reported.

One fire occurred at his parents’ home, where investigators say a shop and a vehicle were set on fire. A second fire was reported at another residence and involved a garage and a vehicle.

The overnight search prompted warnings from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office for residents in areas near Highway 30 East and County Road 251 to remain alert.

Investigators said Kent was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incidents.