In a tragic incident that has left the New Orleans community in shock, a Louisiana man has been arrested and charged in connection with a house fire that claimed the lives of his three young children. Joseph Washington Sr., 29, was taken into custody by the New Orleans Police Department a day after the devastating incident unfolded on Tuesday. The victims, aged 8, 5, and 3, tragically lost their lives as a result of the fire.

According to police reports, the children's mother made a distressed call to 911 at 11:55 p.m. alerting them to the fact that her partner, Washington, was threatening to set their house ablaze. In the chilling audio of the emergency call, obtained by NBC affiliate WDSU, the mother can be heard pleading for urgent assistance, explaining that someone was on the phone threatening to burn down their home. Tragically, just moments after the call, a fire was reported at the residence.

Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene, determined to save lives amidst the chaos. They were able to rescue the 8-year-old and 5-year-old, who were rushed to a nearby hospital. However, their injuries proved fatal, and both children tragically succumbed to their injuries. The 3-year-old was discovered lifeless amidst the wreckage of the burned home.

The devastating incident has resulted in Washington facing multiple charges, including three counts of second-degree murder, three counts of cruelty to a juvenile, and one count of aggravated arson. As of Wednesday night, Washington remained in custody, although it remains unclear whether he has legal representation. The suspect had attempted to elude authorities by jumping from an overpass, prompting his hospitalization for an evaluation of possible injuries.

During a news conference held by the New Orleans Police Department, authorities revealed that the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute. In a chilling turn of events, Washington's car was discovered partially submerged in the Mississippi River on Wednesday morning. This discovery heightened concerns for the safety of the suspect and added intensity to the manhunt.

According to authorities, Washington was located in another vehicle later that day, prompting officers to intervene and attempt to pull him over. However, Washington opted to evade capture by jumping from an overpass. Despite his attempts, law enforcement was successful in apprehending him, leading to his hospitalization for undisclosed injuries.

The tragedy unfolded when the mother of the children placed a frantic call to 911, informing them of the threats made by Washington. The mother was en route to the house when she dialed emergency services, desperately hoping to prevent the unthinkable. Tragically, her worst fears were realized when firefighters arrived at the property and discovered two lifeless children. The five-year-old girl and the eight-year-old boy were found in close proximity to the front door and the kitchen.

Firefighters valiantly attempted to resuscitate the children before transporting them to a local hospital. Sadly, they were pronounced dead approximately an hour later. As firefighters continued to battle the flames, they discovered the lifeless body of the youngest victim, a three-year-old boy, situated near the center of the dwelling.

Authorities have confirmed that the cause of death for the three children will be determined by the coroner's office. Meanwhile, investigators are tirelessly working to establish the cause of the fire that ravaged the family's home. The devastating loss of three innocent lives continues to reverberate throughout the community, leaving neighbors and loved ones in mourning as they come to terms with this heart-wrenching tragedy.