The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced on Apr. 7 that a suspect was arrested in connection with multiple fires reported in the Hanover area of unincorporated El Paso County on April 5.
Authorities said the Regional Communications Center received several calls around 9:07 AM reporting fires and an adult male fleeing the scene. Fire personnel from Hanover responded and requested law enforcement assistance after learning of an active arsonist.
Patrol deputies from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, along with officers from the Fountain Police Department and deputies from Pueblo County, established a perimeter to search for the suspect. Drones were deployed by both EPSO and FPD to help locate additional fires, which were ultimately determined to number about seven separate incidents as well as one vehicle fire within a one-mile stretch near High Stakes View.
A fire investigator concluded that all fires originated near the 21200 block of High Stakes View and extended to a vehicle fire behind a residence. Investigators determined these fires had been intentionally set.
Deputies located an unresponsive adult male matching witness descriptions near Indian Village Heights and Boca Raton Heights at approximately 11 AM. Law enforcement rendered aid using Narcan, after which the man regained consciousness and was identified as Dana Rempel, age 33. Evidence found during the investigation linked Rempel to each fire scene.
Rempel was taken into custody following medical clearance and booked into jail on charges including fourth-degree arson; his bond is set at $50,000. “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all responding personnel whose professionalism and swift action helped bring this fire under control safely and effectively,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “I also want to thank our community members; your vigilance and quick decision to report the fire made a critical difference. Because of that early call, we were able to respond rapidly and achieve a successful outcome.” Roybal added: “Let me be clear: those who make reckless choices that endanger our community, such as the suspect in this case, will be held accountable. In the Pikes Peak region, we are committed to ensuring swift and appropriate justice for actions that put lives and property at risk.”
Officials confirmed all fires were extinguished without structural damage or loss of life; no injuries among first responders were reported.
