FBI, CSFD investigating circumstances of house fire Wednesday in east Colorado Springs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Colorado Springs Fire Department said that law enforcement reported a house fire at the corner of East Pikes Peak and Dudley avenues, just before 5 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11.
Fire departments response
"There was a law enforcement presence before we got here," said Ashley Franco, a CSFD spokesperson. "We'll take the lead on the fire, and the FBI will take the lead on the scene."
Franco said that fire was showing at the front and in the garage of the home, and that the flames were extinguished within two minutes.
The fire department confirmed to KRDO13 that one person suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
"There were no injuries to law enforcement or firefighters," Franco added.
Police departments response
The FBI later released a statement that its agents were executing a federal criminal search warrant, unrelated to immigration enforcement. A CSPD blotter post confirmed that their Metro Narcotics Unit and the FBI began a joint investigation into a drug trafficker who had a history of vehicular assaults, aggravated robbery and felony menacing.
CSPD says that a search warrant was used, and when they arrived, several residents exited the home; however, the suspect refused to come out. Police say the suspect, who has been identified as Benjamin Greenfield, then began lighting several fires within the home, running.
Police say after a shot chase, Greenfield was taken into custody and was treated for smoke inhalation and burns. He has since been released from the hospital and remains in custody under several charges, including arson.
Neighbors told KRDO13 that before the pursuit, they heard the explosion of "flash-bang" devices and orders from a law enforcement bullhorn for the man to surrender.
Neighbors say they recently noticed suspicious activity at the house, with vehicles coming and going, and people constantly walking in and out.
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