Man found dead outside of burning Colorado Springs home identified

Colorado Springs police confirm a man was found dead outside of a burning home Thursday morning (3/5/15). He has been identified as Peter Spellman, 80.

Police say that at 7:59 a.m., a man called 9-1-1 and threatened to set his house on fire then kill himself.

When police arrived at the home in the 2400 block of Tahoe Blvd., the house was on fire and Spellman was found dead outside. Police say there were reports of shots fired in the area as well.

Colorado Springs Fire Chief Chris Riley says Spellman’s death was not caused by the fire.

Firefighters weren’t immediately able to go into the house because of threats from the man about explosives inside. No explosives were found.

Evacuations were ordered for nearby homes. Those evacuations have been lifted.

The fire has been ruled an arson. Fire investigators say Spellman is the prime suspect.