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Body Discovered Inside Historic Five Points Building After Fire

By Rick Sallinger

DENVER (CBS4) - Firefighters believe an apartment fire inside a historic building in Denver's Five Points neighborhood is suspicious after a body was discovered inside.

The fire broke out just before 2:30 a.m. at a unit above Rosenberg's Bagels & Delicatessen at Welton Street and 26th Avenue. Firefighters arrived to a smoke-filled apartment on the second floor.

DENVER FATAL FIRE  (1)
(credit: CBS)

Investigators said a couple of vehicles are missing from the property. Police confirmed they are investigating the disappearance of a red Ducati motorcycle and a white Subaru station wagon.

"The individual was located inside of a closet in the second story living quarters. I'm not sure what the layout of those living quarters might be," said Denver Fire Department spokeswoman Melissa Taylor.

DENVER FATAL FIRE  (4)
(credit: CBS)

The apartment is located in a building owned by Cousins Properties which advertised the apartment as $1,500 a month one bedroom.

DENVER FATAL FIRE rosenberg's bagels
(credit: CBS)

The building has been known as the Historic Arcade Building, part of the revitalization of the Five Points neighborhood. The city awarded the property owners $75,000 towards its restoration.

The fire caused substantial smoke and water damage to the apartment but Rosenberg's located downstairs will most likely be repaired.

Five Points fatal fire rosenberg's bagels
(credit: CBS)

"We'll absolutely reopen when we are ready and we are ready to open for business. There's a lot of stuff to do," said one woman associated with the restaurant who didn't want to be identified.

The name of the person found has not been released.

DENVER FATAL FIRE  (2)
Arson investigators were on scene of a fire in the Five Points neighborhood (credit: CBS)

Statement From Building's Owner

"Dr. Renee King, the owner of the building is heartbroken by the tragedy and loss of life that happened early Monday morning. Dr. King was at the scene as soon as she was informed of what happened and is cooperating fully with the police and fire department while the investigation takes place."

Additional Information From The Denver Police Department

Remain anonymous and earn up to $2,000. Call Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-STOP (7867). Text to CRIMES (274637) then title DMCS and enter the message, or send an e-mail to metro-denvercrimestoppers.com; or use the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers mobile app which is immediately available as a free download on smartphones.

CBS4's Rick Sallinger is a Peabody award winning reporter who has been with the station more than two decades doing hard news and investigative reporting. Follow him on Twitter @ricksallinger.

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