Loveland PD Arrest Suspect for Arson at LDS Church

Multiple officers, along with a K-9 unit, entered the building and announced their presence. As they searched for the suspect, officers came across four people in the front area of the church, who had been unaware of the break-in. These individuals were evacuated from the building as police continued to search the property.

Police then saw smoke appearing in the hallway on the building's south side, and discovered it to be coming from behind a kitchen door that was barricaded. Officers announced themselves again, and when they did not get a response, they broke down the door.

A male suspect, identified as Raymond John Ramsey, was located in the kitchen. Ramsey was treated on-scene for pain by Thompson Valley EMS and was then transported to the Larimer County Jail. He was booked on charges of 1st degree arson (business), endangering life, a third-degree felony; 2nd degree burglary, forced entry, a fourth-degree felony; 1st degree criminal trespass to a dwelling, a fifth-degree felony; and Unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a misdemeanor.

Officers used a fire extinguisher that was mounted in the hallway to quickly put out the flames. Loveland Fire Rescue Authority also responded to the scene to help clear the smoke and secure the building.