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 Covenant Tattoo, and Back Door Grill. They 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 video showing a possible suspect.
The video was taken by 21-year-old Jack Turbenson, who was staying at an Airbnb with his dad above Rainbow Restaurant. He was abruptly woken to loud scratching noises outside his window.
Turbenson said he pulled back the curtains to find himself face-to-face with Shaughnessy trying to use a screwdriver to pry open the window to his room.
"He was just as surprised to see me as I was to see him," said Turbenson.
Thinking quickly, he pulled out his phone and took a video of Shaughnessy, who he said appeared to be attempting to start another fire.
Turbenson and his dad called police and found out Rainbow Restaurant was Shaughnessy's third stop.
"Adreneline is a heck of a thing. At the time I wasn't as scared as I was just curious and confused. At least it makes for a good story," said Turbenson.
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
The owner of Rainbow Restaurant, Linda Washecka, said if Turbenson hadn't taken the video, her beloved restaurant that she's owned since 1976 might have faced a fate as dire as the other two locations.
"I feel like they changed all our lives. Today could have been a lot different," Washecka said.
Washecka said she is eternally grateful to the saints in the Airbnb above. She gave them a $200 gift card, and said they are welcome in anytime they are in town.
"We brought the folks from the Airbnb into the kitchen and said these guys are celebrities in this restaurant from now on!" exclaimed Washecka.
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