El Paso County Sheriff's Office
210 South Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO  80903-2280
Lieutenant Lari Sevene, Public Information Officer
(719) 520-7244 office, (719) 476-9742 pager, email: larisevene@elpasoco.com

MEDIA RELEASE
DATE: November 18, 2009  [4:10 p.m.]

ARREST MADE IN BLACK FOREST FIRE

On July 22, 2009, at about 4:00 a.m., a call was received by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office of a house fire at 13645 Wild Oak Drive.  Crews worked for several hours on the fire.  The house sustained significant damage and was a total loss. 

Investigators searched for several days following the fire to contact the owner, 48 year old Mark Rance.  He was finally located and interviewed about the fire.  After an extensive investigation into the fire, an arrest warrant was obtained for Mr. Rance. 

Rance was located and arrested yesterday, November 17, 2009, at 8255 Forest Heights Circle.  He is being charged with First Degree Arson.  He is currently being held at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center on a $75,000 bond.