14 Escape Duplex Fire, Man Arrested After Arson Is Suspected
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4) - More than a dozen people escaped from a burning duplex in Lakewood early Tuesday morning that was intentionally set on fire. Police arrested an Aurora man who had been questioned about his possible involvement in the fire.
The first call came in at 3:25 a.m. for the home at 5600 West 5th Avenue. When firefighters arrived, the front of the duplex was fully engulfed in flames, as was a vehicle parked in front of the building.
Fourteen people were displaced from the home. According to the American Red Cross, the fire displaced nine adults, four children and a dog. Everyone escaped without major injury.
Police took a man into custody from a home in the 1700 block of East Rice Circle Aurora just about 10 a.m. for questioning.
Detectives identified the man as Christopher Magana, 27, and arrested him on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder, arson, criminal mischief and domestic violence.
A family member said he was awake at the time and heard footsteps followed by a loud explosion. Neighbors agree there was some kind of boom-type sound.
Authorities with West Metro Fire Rescue investigated reports of a loud noise, which happened just before the fire started. The blaze has not been confirmed as arson but investigators told CBS4 the fire is highly suspicious and arson is extremely suspected.
"I woke up this morning with the sound of 'Pop, pop, bang' and it shook the house pretty loud so it was a huge explosion and I didn't know what it was and my dog went crazy," said one neighbor. "I woke up to 'What's going on?' and I heard this screaming outside and looked out the window and I saw the whole house ablaze."
An officer said anytime there is a possibility of arson, the crime lab is brought to the scene. The crime lab was parked outside the home on Tuesday morning.
Workers with the American Red Cross were on scene providing blankets and warm drinks to the people who had been displaced, and some neighbors were providing shelter.
West 5th Avenue was closed between Benton Street and Eaton Place during the fire investigation and expected to remain closed for several hours.
Magana may make his first appearance in Jefferson County Court on Wednesday.
Additional Information from Lakewood Police
Anyone with any information is asked to call either the Lakewood Police Department at 303-987-7111.
