Animals die in fire, arson suspected Westminster, CO (US) Incident Date: Friday, Apr 27, 2007 County: Adams Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony Non-CTA Alleged: Antonio Sanchez

Case ID: 11351 Classification: Burning - Fire or Fireworks Animal: dog (non pit-bull), rodent/small mammal (pet), rabbit (pet) View more cases in CO (US) Login to Watch this Case

A mother dog was able to save about six of her puppies from a house fire in Westminster on Friday, though several other pets, including two puppies, a rabbit, and a ferret perished.

Westminster Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the 8100 block of Tennyson Street just before 5 p.m. and were able to put the fire out within 17 minutes of receiving the call.

They said no one was inside the residence, but they later discovered there were several pets inside. Westminster fire said it appeared a mother dog was able to get six of her puppies out of the house before crews arrived.

Firefighters said seven puppies and three adult dogs in all were saved. They are being held at the Westminster Public Safety Center.

Westminster officials said they believe the man responsible for the calls and starting the fire was 27-year-old Antonio Sanchez.

Investigators said Sanchez repeatedly called the police department from several different pay phones in the area.

They also said Sanchez resides at the residence with his girlfriend. At about 8 a.m. Sanchez began fighting with his girlfriend, eventually putting a knife to her throat, authorities said.

The girlfriend told investigators she did not notify the police at the time because she feared for her safety.

She said once Sanchez calmed down they went to Denver where they both work for the same employer.

At about 5 p.m. the landlord alerted the woman that her house was on fire, authorities said.

An arrest warrant was later issued for Sanchez. Officers located him in the area of 80th Avenue and Wadsworth Parkway at about 8:30 a.m. Friday when, they said, he was spotted trying to break into a nearby residence.

Sanchez was arrested and is being held on $100,000 bond.

He faces several charges, including first-degree arson and cruelty to animals.

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References

ABC 7 News - April 29, 2007

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