Fire in Rye caused by arson
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man who lived in a home that was destroyed in an arson.
Investigators say Harry Mapps is a person of interest. He lived in the home until a week ago.
“He’s not here anymore,” Leach said. “We don’t have any details as to why. We believe he was here recently, so he could have relevant information.”
Two women and a man were found dead in a burning home in Rye on Wednesday. The fire destroyed a home in the 8200 block of Highway 165.
Firefighters began battling flames Wednesday morning but were back at the home on Thanksgiving.
“When you have a two-level structure and they’re using wood-burning stoves, you have more fuel in the house — it becomes more difficult,” said Don Leach, an investigations captain for the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
It’s unknown whether the victims died in the fire or from other causes.
Investigators entered the home Thursday to identify where the fire originated. They ruled the fire an arson after finding at least two points of origin.
The Sheriff’s Office says it has no reason to believe Mapps is dangerous but cautions others that the three deaths are suspicious. The names of the victims haven’t been released.
Mapps was last seen driving a blue 2004 Chrysler Town & Country minivan with either Texas or Colorado license plates. The Colorado license plate is 591 SBL. The Texas license plate is 7 FSNK. The Sheriff’s Office said Mapps may be homeless and taking advantage of homeless or veterans services.
Those who have information about Mapps’ whereabouts are asked to call the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office at 719-583-6250.
