On Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at approximately 10:05 p.m., Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) and Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) responded to a fire on the first floor of an apartment complex on Stanford Rd., Fort Collins. There were multiple reports that the fire was started by a current resident of the complex. When officers arrived on scene, the suspect had run from the area. The fire was contained to the suspect’s apartment and the rest of the building had to be evacuated.

FCPS officers located the suspect, Spencer BUTLER (dob 10/22/87), on foot near College Ave. and Bockman Dr. and took him into custody around 2 a.m. the next morning. Butler was found to have active warrants for his arrest. Following further investigation by FCPS' Criminal Investigation Division, Butler was charged in reference to this incident for:

· First Degree Arson – Class 3 Felony

· Fourth Degree Arson – Class 2 Felony

Firefighters extinguished the fire and completed a primary and secondary search. There were no injuries reported. Residents were allowed back into the building after it was ventilated, but at least one apartment sustained extensive fire damage.

“We are grateful for the quick response by our partners at PFA, and to our Criminal Investigations Division who assisted in processing the scene and quickly locating the suspect. These partnerships help minimize the negative impact these crimes can have on our community.”, said Detective Bryan Vogel, lead investigator for the incident.

All charges are merely an accusation by law enforcement and the suspect must be presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.