Deputies Suspect Man Was Looting Homes Of Evacuees In Larimer County
LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4) - A man from Loveland is facing a long list of charges after he was arrested in an area closed because of the floods. Police are trying to figure out if he was stealing from the homes of evacuees.
Neighborhoods all over Larimer County are blocked off because of the flooding both for safety and to protect the abandoned homes.
The arrest of the first suspected looter in the flood zone is creating more anxiety for evacuees.
"We have cash up there, we have jewelry up there, we have just our whole life is up there," evacuee Joe Wright said.
For Wright, like many of the thousands forced to abandon their homes in Larimer County, the threat of looters is never far from mind.
"There's nothing I can do about it, I can't be there. People are going to do what they're going to do," Wright said.
After being spotted beyond a road block on Sept. 14 Ethan Ramm, 20, was arrested.
"Anybody in a closed area, regardless where you're at, that's suspicious to us because nobody is supposed to be there," John Schultz with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office said.
After being questioned deputies said Ramm assaulted an investigator.
"He actually fought with the deputy, physically fought with the deputy," Schultz said. "He then ran and jumped in the river to get away."
Five days later Ramm was arrested again in the same area.
"There were items that were found in his vehicle that we're not sure where they came from," Schultz said.
Ramm is suspected of looting and is facing charges of assault and resisting arrest.
So far there are no confirmed reports of looting in Larimer County. But while the roads remained closed homeowners are left defenseless.
"We want to protect what's there because hopefully someday we'll get back up there, get our stuff, live in our home and go on with our lives," Wright said.
Ramm posted a $7,500 bond. His first court date is set for next Thursday. He has a long criminal history.
Colorado Floods: How To Help
The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.
