Fire Destroys House on Collier Ave – Updated Arrest Made in Case

By Marty Mayfield

KRTN Multi-Media

Raton Fire and Emergency Services along with Colfax County Rapid Response units responded to a structure fire shortly after 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2020 in the 600 block of Collier Ave.

As firefighters arrived on scene they could see a structure that was fully engulfed in flames. Fire Fighters quickly attacked the fire and and brought it under control but not before the flames had breached the ceiling and grown into the attic. Flames could be seen coming out of the roof on the north side of the building as firemen pulled a hose into the front door of the structure.

Fire fighters remains on scene of the blaze to complete mop operations and ensure the blaze was completely extinguished.

According to Fire Chief Chris Espinoza the residence was occupied, however, no one was home at the time of the blaze. Two pets that were in the house were unable to get out and perished in the fire.

Jeremy Pacheco (33) was arrested for and charged with Arson over $20,000 in connection to the fire at 640 Collier Ave. According to court records Pacheco is a user of Meth and when he is high he acts out in anger. In the statement of probable cause Pacheco told officers he had lit a candle and later slapped it onto the floor. Later he had ripped up a towel and lit it on fire and threw it on the floor. He then left the house to walk around and think. He told officers that he didn’t check to see if the candle or towel had burnt out before exiting the residence.

According to court records the electric and gas services had been turned off to the house after Pacheco had gotten angry and damaged the house the week before after an argument with his grandparents.

Pacheco is well know to law enforcement as he has been in and out of the judicial system since 2006 with charges from financial problems to traffic offenses, drugs and graffiti charges.