Frisco police have linked a man they arrested during a home invasion to an arson attempt shortly before the break-in.
Police haven’t identified the suspect, who was apprehended in the home on Hunter’s Circle Road, several blocks from the arson scene.
Authorities became aware of a problem shortly after 2 a.m. this morning when an alarm company reported sprinkler activation at Keller Williams Realty, 605 Main St.
A bystander at the scene told Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue firefighters that he saw someone “in the building, tearing up the place,” according to a release.
Fearing the intruder could still in the office, which is in a mixed-use residential and commercial building, firefighters notified Frisco police.
Police searched the ground-floor office and found it empty. Firefighters discovered evidence of arson and a fire that was quickly extinguished by water from a single sprinkler head.
While the investigation was underway, a homeowner called 911 and reported someone breaking into the house. Police apprehended the suspect at the house and matched his description with one of the man observed at the realty office.
The suspect remains in police custody this morning.
“Twenty gallons of water from a sprinkler system saved this business and the homes above,” said lead fire investigator and Lake Dillon Fire-Rescue Deputy Chief Jeff Berino.
Police believe the suspect dropped a backpack and are asking that anyone who finds an unattended backpack contact them at 970-668-3579.
