Arson suspect charged after allegedly setting fire to Fort Collins apartment

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A man was charged with two counts of arson Thursday after allegedly setting fire to a Fort Collins apartment a day earlier.

The Fort Collins Police Department (FCPS) and the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) responded to a fire on the first floor of an apartment complex on Stanford Rd. Wednesday shortly after 10 p.m., according to a news release.

Multiple reports indicate the fire was started by a current resident of the complex, authorities said.

Once police arrived on scene, the suspect fled the scene and the fire was eventually contained to his apartment. The rest of the building had to be evacuated, police authorities said in the press release.

The suspect – Spencer Butler, 36 – was found by police walking near College Ave. and Bockman Dr. and was taken into custody around 2 a.m. early Thursday morning.

It turned out he had active warrants for his arrest, and after further investigation, he was charged with two counts of arson, first and fourth degree, police said.

No other injuries were reported following the fire and residents were allowed to return once the building was aired. At least one apartment was significantly damaged by the fire, police said.

“We are grateful for the quick response of our partners at PFA and our Criminal Investigation Division who helped process the scene and quickly locate the suspect. These partnerships help minimize the negative impact these crimes can have on our community,” said Detective Bryan Vogel, lead investigator of the incident.

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