Repeat Arson Suspect Arrested After Second Fire Threatens Cañon City Businesses

Description: The Cañon City Police Department Released the Following Arrest Report... All Parties Considered Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law...

Same Suspect - Second Arson Arrest

On July 15th, 2025, at approximately 9:28 pm, Cañon City Police Officers responded to the area of 105 Latigo Lane, in Cañon City, for a reported fire in the trees to the west of this address. Multiple callers reported that a very large fire was on the ditch line between the Maverick gas station and the Hampton Inn hotel. Frecom Dispatch relayed to responding officers that the fire was rapidly spreading to the surrounding brush and was starting to threaten nearby buildings.  

Firefighters with the Cañon City Fire Protection District quickly responded and were able to expeditiously extinguish the fire before any lives or structures were harmed.  After responding officers conducted an initial investigation, probable cause was gained, identifying 34-year-old Charles Fenstermacher of Cañon City as the suspect of the fire.  After a thorough search of the thick vegetation just south of the scene, Cañon City Police Officers, in partnership with Fremont County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, located Fenstermacher hiding in the thicket.  Mr. Fenstermacher was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Fremont County Detention Center.  Mr. Fenstermacher is being held on a $10,000 cash-only bond.  

Chief Schick offered, again, his profound thanks to the committed and professional response from his Uniform Patrol Officers and Detectives for their dogged pursuit of the suspect and the supporting evidence discovered during their initial and follow-up investigations.  He went on to credit the Firefighters from CCFPD for sparing residents and community visitors the potential loss of life and property, as well as expressing his appreciation for the Sheriff’s Office and Dispatch personnel who were also helpful in achieving a successful outcome.  Lastly, Chief Schick would like to thank the community for promptly notifying officials; the high volume of calls received certainly set the tone for emergency responders.

Mr. Fenstermacher was arrested on the following charges and is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law:

C.R.S. 18-4-105 (3)(h) Fourth degree arson X3 Class 2 Felony

C.R.S. 18-3-208  Reckless Endangerment Class 2 Misdemeanor

C.R.S. 18-4-504 Third Degree Criminal Trespass Petty Offense

Related Content: 

Suspected Arson Sparks Wildfire Near Highway 50 in Cañon City; Suspect in Custody

Cañon City Man Arrested for Multiple Arson Fires; Quick Response Prevents Major Damage

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