AURORA | Prosecutors have charged a 30-year-old Aurora man with 16 counts of arson after he was accused last week of starting a bevy of fires that damaged landscaping, portable toilets, cars and apartment buildings in northwest Aurora.
Prosecutors detailed the charges against Michael Anthony Lopez, 30, related to a recent series of alleged fires in the area of East 16th Avenue and North Norfolk Street in Aurora.
Lopez was arrested Dec. 23 and accused of starting fires during the week damaging landscaping, portable toilets, vehicles and apartment buildings, officials said.
Lopez is being held at the Adams County jail in lieu of $50,000 bond and was scheduled for a first appearance in Adams District Court Monday.
Fire crews responded to several fires in the area over the last week, working to extinguish the blazes and limit damage, fire officials said.
Damage caused by the fires was estimated to cost about $20,000, according to fire department officials.
Authorities credited close collaboration between the fire and police departments with leading to the arrest.
“This case highlights how critical teamwork is when protecting our community,” Allen Robnett, deputy fire chief for Aurora Fire Rescue, said in a statement.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fires, officials said.
Lopez is charged with: 12 counts of fourth-Degree arson, two counts of second-degree arson and two counts of first-degree arson, all felonies.
No injuries were reported caused by any of the fires.