Thornton police arrested a 23-year-old man this morning, shortly after a fire broke out at a car dealership.
The fire at Grand Pontiac in Federal Heights was reported at 1:43 a.m. Police were advised that a suspect had been seen leaving the site on foot. Officers arrested Joshua Randy Abeyta, of Denver, after a short foot chase in the 10200 block of Ura Lane.
The fire started in on the dealership’s second floor, in an office area. It’s being investigated as arson.
The building was extensively damaged by fire, smoke and water. Several vehicles on the showroom floor also had broken windows.
Police don’t know a motive and say the incident may have been a random act.
Abeyta is facing first-degree arson and second-degree burglary charges. He’s being held in lieu of $10,000 bond at the Adams County Detention Facility.
