There was a fire at the location known as Uncle Pete’s Discount, previously known as the Grab Bag in the early morning hours of Saturday, Dec. 23. Lake Providence Fire Chief Keith Larry said the fire appears to have started in an area near the kitchen. According to Larry, a call came in around 1:30 am, reporting flames in the building. Larry said the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate the fire.
There were electrical wires on fire, and Larry said once Entergy came and turned off the power, they were able to put out the fire. Larry said it was very difficult navigating through the store once they were able to get in, due to difficulties in getting to the kitchen area, bars on windows and in some areas, the fast-spreading nature of the fire. “The internal construction gave us limited options to move around the area of the store where the fire was.” He said they were able to get in contact with the store’s owner that morning. The fire is under investigation.
Branch allegedly shot her boyfriend in the arm after fleeing from a vehicle that he was driving. The sheriff reported that she said he lunged towards her and then she shot him in the arm. She was charged with aggravated second degree battery. This case is still under investigation.
