Bizarre Standoff Leads To Man Starting Fire Inside Family's Home

DENVER (CBS4) - A bizarre story in Denver happened in the 2800 block of Larimer Street after a man barricaded himself inside a home and set a fire inside.

The suspect kept police at bay for hours in a standoff that began before 9 p.m. Friday.

CBS4's Evrod Cassimy spoke with the homeowners who where inside when the suspect barged in. They described the frightening moments.

Tony Vigil Sr. would only talk to Cassimy through a screen window at first. He's still shaken up from the events after the strange man barged into his house and tried to set it on fire.

"I don't know what was going through his mind," Vigil said.

Vigil finally invited Cassimy in and described the frightening moments. He was in the backyard when the suspect, trying to run from police, ran in through his unlocked back door.

"Opened the bedroom door and he was standing right outside the bedroom door," Vigil said.

Vigil's son came face-to-face with the intruder.

"He goes, 'Please! Please! The cops are after me! You got to help me!" Tony Vigil Jr. said.

At that point the intruder attacked Vigil Jr. and threatened to shoot. Vigil Jr. knew he had to get out.

"If I could make it outside I'll be safe. I just need to make it outside. We struggled in the front room for a minute," he said.

Vigil Jr. was able to get out with his father, leaving the suspect inside their home alone. While inside he threw up from drinking the father and son's liquor, broke into a safe, and even smoked cigarettes. There are burn marks from when he used the flame from the stove to set items inside the home on fire.

After nearly two hours police were able to go inside the house and make contact with the suspect. He had to be taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation and other injuries.

Police have not released the suspect's name or identity

Police said they saw the suspect peering into cars in the area and exhibiting suspicious behavior. The suspect ran after he realized police were watching him.