An arson suspect was subdued by Colorado firefighters while the man was allegedly starting fires in a building over the weekend.
Longmont crews responded to a home supply business at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, KDVR-TV reports. When firefighters entered the building, they discovered multiple fires started within.
The crews also found a 54-year-old man who allegedly was igniting more fires in the building, according to KDVR. Firefighters apprehended the man, pulled him out of the blaze and turned him over to police.
"This was a first for us. You don’t typically expect to encounter an arsonist lighting fires at the time you are trying to extinguish them," Fire Chief Jerrod Vanlandingham told KDVR. ""Our crews had little choice but to tackle the suspect, subdue him and drag him out of the building to awaiting police officers. These firefighters went above and beyond their call of duty by taking these actions, but most likely saved lives and property in doing so."
The man, Michael Schrodt, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson, second-degree burglary, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.
No injuries were reported in the incident, and the case is under investigation, the TV station added.
