The Colorado Bureau of Investigation was called in on September 8 after Las Animas Police Officers and Bent County Sheriff's Deputies discovered what appeared to be an attempted arson in the 600 block of Locust Avenue in Las Animas.
According to Police Chief Donald Trujillo, investigators thought the fire looked suspicious as it happened under a van and the pavement melted.
There were no signs of an electrical problem in the vehicle and Trujillo said the way the pavement was melted led officers to suspect someone had attempted to burn the van.
There have been other cases of arson recently in Las Animas, including the destruction of a stolen 1999 Chevrolet pickup belonging to County Commissioner Bill Long on June 2. After the vehicle was stolen, it was burned, either by overheating when it got stuck on a berm out by the Bent County Landfill or deliberately.
Long is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft and destruction of the pickup.
On July 8, someone attempted to set Las Animas Oil on fire, destroying tires and a warehouse and requiring fire department personnel to drive a propane truck out of the flames. A $5,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Trujillo said officers have interviewed subjects about the fire at LA Oil and are currently awaiting information from CBI
In another possible case of arson on September 8, LAPD officers investigated a burned tree in the 400 block of St., Vrain Avenue.
