Neighbors Still Very Angry At Man Who Caused Apartment Complex Fire With Fireworks

WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) - "If he's guilty, I'd give him the maximum penalty," said Trey Gray.

Residents of Westminster's Skyview Apartments have little sympathy for the man accused of torching their building.

"That's not cool. Definitely the maximum penalty should be handed to him," said Gray, a resident of the apartment complex.

Christopher "Tex" Meyer, 34, will be in court Thursday to learn the charges against him. He's accused of causing an early morning fire Sept. 6, allegedly after setting off fireworks in his second floor apartment. Cellphone video captured the flames as they tore through the building, causing $600,000 worth of damage and displacing six families, including Chris Perez and his wife.

"He was screaming, 'Help me out. I got a fire going,'" Perez told CBS4's Tom Mustin. "He explained to neighbors that he was playing with fireworks. Knowing it was set off by arson, something that could have been prevented. It does get some frustration going."

Fireworks are illegal in Westminster. Meyer could face several charges including arson. Gray says his former neighbor deserves a stiff punishment.

"Somebody should have to pay for the damages that were done. Sorry to him but you've got to be smarter than to set off fireworks in your house," Gray said.

As Meyer awaits his fate, Perez says he's still angry that the apparently careless actions of one man may have changed his life forever.

"We've got multiple families trying to rebuild and start over again. It's just not right," Perez said.

Arson can be a felony in Colorado. Depending on his charges, Meyer could face jail time. The Adams County District Attorney's Office says Meyer will be in court Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Follow Tom on Twitter @TomCBS4.