Suspected Arsonist Arrested After Couch Starts Apartment Fire

THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4)- Police arrested a suspected arsonist just hours after a couch fire burned an apartment in Thornton and forced about a dozen people from their homes.

The fire broke out about 10 a.m. at the Sunset Peak Apartments located at 475 Russell Boulevard.

Investigators say the fire started in or near a couch and caused extensive damage to one unit. Firefighters kept the fire from spreading much beyond the one unit which was destroyed.

Several other units were damaged by smoke and water.

Officers arrested one man who lived in the apartment where the fire started. Juan Perez was taken into custody.

The entire building was forced to evacuate. The Red Cross helped residents with temporary housing.

No one was injured in the fire.

In:
• Thornton