Investigators Make Major Arson Arrest In Fort Collins

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - Investigators in Fort Collins have arrested a man in connection with a fire last month in Old Town that forced dozens of people from their homes.

The fire started on Oct. 24 in a building under construction at Maple and Mason streets before spreading to the Penny Flats building next door. The Penny Flats building features retail units and apartments.

Benjamin David Gilmore, 29, was taken into custody on Thursday night. He faces multiple charges, including first degree arson, second degree burglary and criminal mischief.

Officials said Friday the damage estimate for the fire is $10 million.

No one was hurt in the fire.

"I want to go home with my wife," Gilmore tearfully told the judge in court Friday.

The judge ruled that his bond would stay at $250,000 for Gilmore. He has no criminal record.

Gilmore's wife and mother were at Friday's hearing. They declined to speak on camera.

Gilmore claims to be a supporter of Occupy Fort Collins and spoke recently at a city council meeting about it.

"I personally like Ben. I thought he was a nice guy. If he's responsible for the act, then I think he owes an awful lot of apologies. If he's not, I think a lot of people would owe him apologies," said Occupy Fort Collins protester Eric Eisen.

An Occupy Fort Collins protester showed up at Friday's advisement hearing to disassociate the movement from Gilmore, who has been video taped at the site.

"He may have stopped by, but he is in no way a direct relation to our movement. We are peaceful protesters. We do not tolerate violence," said Occupy Fort Collins protester Julia Crisafi.

The small "occupy" site is near the buildimg that Gilmore is accused of torching.

Gilmore is a beekeeper with the Colorado Pollination Company and has a honey store called "The Hive" in Fort Collins.