Black Forest homeowner arrested for arson, insurance fraud after his house burns down

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office has arrested an arson suspect related to a house fire in the Black Forest area Wednesday. The sheriff's office says the suspect is the homeowner.

Crews responded to the fire shortly before midnight in the 5500 block of Molly Court. The Black Forest Fire Department ultimately declared the home had been a total loss.

According to the sheriff's office, these circumstances seemed suspicious and an investigation was launched.

The owner of the home, 42-year-old Samir Bhatt was arrested on felony charges of First Degree Arson, Insurance Fraud, Criminal Mischief and Domestic Violence.

Bhatt's home had a current market value in excess of $800,000, said the sheriff's office.

Anyone with information concerning this incident are encouraged to contact El Paso County Sheriff's Office Detective Jon Price at 719-520-7505 or our Tip Line at 719-520-6666.