2 fires reported 30 minutes apart in Fort Collins, Colorado

Two separate fires damaged two Fort Collins businesses early Friday morning with the possibility both fires were set intentionally, according to the Poudre Fire Authority.

Multiple posts on social media platform X show some of the damage and work fire crews made extinguishing each fire.

Fort Collins Police were quickly able to apprehend a suspect after watching security video footage and evidence of the suspect changing clothes, according to a news release.

"They received another report of a male trying to break into a residence near the intersection of Howes Street and Laurel Street," according to investigators. "Officers arrived quickly on scene and located the suspect who had a large knife with him and was tampering with an electrical outlet and trying to ignite another fire. The suspect resisted arrest and was safely taken into custody. One officer sustained minor injuries."

Andrew Shaughnessy, 31, was booked into the Larimer County Jail on charges of first-degree arson, second-degree burglary, resisting arrest, among others.

Firefighters were initially dispatched to a fire in the 600 block of South College Street at 3:26 a.m., Friday. Authorities said this "fire was working its way up the exterior east side of the building when crews arrived."

A second fire was reported approximately 30 minutes later in the 100 block of West Laurel Street. The two locations are within walking distance of each other.

Fire crews contained both fires quickly and no injuries were reported, Poudre Fire said.

“We are grateful for the quick response by our partners at PFA, which prevented the fires from spreading," said Lt/ Adam Ruehlen in a news release. "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."