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The fires were reported at businesses that are less than a mile away from each other.
FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A man currently on parole faces multiple charges after two fires were intentionally set at Fort Collins businesses early Friday morning, according to Fort Collins Police.
Andrew Shaughnessy, 31, faces multiple charges including arson and burglary. Court records show he’s currently on parole for a 2022 motor vehicle theft conviction in Larimer County.
The Poudre Fire Authority said firefighters were initially dispatched to a fire in the 600 block of South College Street at 3:26 a.m. A second fire was reported about 30 minutes later in the 100 block of West Laurel Street. Those two locations are within walking distance of each other.
Crews got both fires under control quickly and no injuries were reported, Poudre Fire said.
Based on evidence found at both scene, Fort Collins police officers began investigating the fire as potential arsons. Investigators found surveillance showing a possible suspect and began trying to locate him.
While searching the area, officers found evidence indicating that the man, later identified as Shaughnessy had changed his clothes. As they looked into the fires, they learned about a man trying to break into a residence near Howes Street and Laurel Street. When they arrived there officers found that man with a large knife and said he appeared to be tampering with an electrical outlet trying to ignite another fire.
According to Fort Collins Police, the man resisted arrest but was taken into custody. One officer had minor injuries.
“We are grateful for the quick response by our partners at PFA, which prevented the fires from spreading. Our officers were able to collect evidence from various scenes that allowed them to locate the suspect, who was continuing to damage property in the area,” said Lieutenant Adam Ruehlen who oversees part of the investigations division.
I’m grateful for the quick and diligent work of our officers to locate and apprehend the suspect before this individual could continue to negatively impact our community. Our detectives will continue their investigation into these incidents.”
Shaughnessy was booked into the Larimer County Jail on the following charges:
- Two counts of first-degree arson – business
- One count of second-degree burglary – forced entry into a business
- One count attempt to commit class 5 or 6 felony
- Resisting arrest
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