A man is in custody Wednesday night after reportedly admitting to authorities he doused part of his neighbor's house - and his own - in gas before setting them on fire. He even tried to put natural gas in his home to destroy it but forgot to turn the valve, Federal Heights Police said.
56-year-old Steven Richard Truetken told investigators he'd planned the event for some time, adding that he set fire to his neighbor's home despite knowing someone was inside, police said.
Adams County bomb squad was called to the scene at Moselle Street and Tejon Street shortly before 7 p.m. and nearby residents were evacuated from their homes.
Federal Heights Police first got the call about the fire at 4:10 p.m. - but at that point it was only about a possible disturbance. Before authorities arrived, they learned the disturbance was likely a fire and brought firefighters with them.
When they arrived, officers met with Truetken, who openly bragged about starting the fire and even told officers there might be homemade bombs inside, police said.
At the time of this writing, officers are trying to figure out the man's motives and if his story is true. Bomb squad is making sure the area is safe.
The Red Cross told 9NEWS that two homes were burned in the blaze. Thirty-five to 40 people were pushed out of their homes. Most have since been able to return home, but the Red Cross says they are still assisting three families.
