A New Iberia man was arrested in St. Martin Parish Wednesday, accused of setting his home on fire with his family inside. Edward Joseph (left) is facing five counts of aggravated arson, one count for his wife and each of their four children.

Court records show that Joseph's wife issued a restraining order against him last week, claiming that he had killed four dogs and threatened to kill she and their children. As part of the petition Joseph was ordered to stay away from the residence on Neco Town Road in New Iberia. The home sustained minor damage from the fire, but investigators say it could have been much worse as Joseph used an accelerant to start the fire, which actually may have saved lives.

"[His wife] smelled gasoline, which I think basically woke her up and [she] went to investigate and saw the exterior of the trailer was on fire," said Lt. Ryan Turner with the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office.

Joseph's wife was reached by phone Wednesday, but declined comment. Joseph is also charged with violating terms of his restraining order.

Jim Hummel

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