The man accused of barricading himself inside a Fort Collins 7-Eleven, started a fire

Fort Collins police said they arrested a man Sunday afternoon at a downtown-area 7-Eleven after he barricaded himself inside the store and started a fire.

Around 4:45 p.m., police were responding to a report of a man in the backyard of a homeowner making suicidal statements, according to a news release from the Fort Collins Police Service. But as they left, the man stopped by the convenience store, 430 Remington St.

Police said he broke a store window, threatened a clerk with a large rock, began damaging the store and barricaded himself inside.

The clerk was able to get out of the store with the help of two men who police described as good Samaritans.

Police said the man set fire to an item in the store, so they broke out a store window, allowing firefighters from the Poudre Fire Authority to put out the fire from outside.

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A SWAT team responded and eventually subdued the suspect with a “less lethal weapon” as he approached officers with a glass bottle, according to the news release.

The suspect was taken to the hospital. He was booked into the Larimer County Jail on suspicion of felony arson, aggravated criminal mischief, criminal threatening, resisting arrest and obstruction.

Fort Collins Police Services Lt. Mike Trombley said he was proud of the way the officers handled and resolved the situation. “I am also grateful for the collaborative efforts of the Poudre Fire Authority partners,” he said.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests and charges are mere accusations by law enforcement, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.

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This article was originally published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan: Man accused of setting fire while barricading Fort Collins 7-Eleven