The Pagosa Springs Police department arrested William Wayne Bryant as part of its investigation into arson at the Archuleta County assessor’s and clerk’s offices in downtown Pagosa Springs.
According to a news release published in The Pagosa Springs Sun submitted by Pagosa Springs Police Department, Bryant, 71, was linked to the fires after his vehicle was allegedly identified in security footage.
In the wee hours of June 12, the Pagosa Springs Fire Department responded to a notification of a fire in the clerk’s and assessor’s offices. The fires were put out, and an investigation spanning multiple state and local law enforcement agencies was launched after initial evidence from the scene suggested the fires were set intentionally.
On June 25, after his vehicle was identified in security footage, arrest warrants were issued for Bryant, and on June 26 he was in police custody.
The release stated that the arson attack was “a deliberate and dangerous act,” and that Byrant faces charges of first-degree arson, using an incendiary device and possibly federal charges in relation to threats against public infrastructure.
The release did not mention whether Bryant had a motive, nor if there is a court date scheduled for him.
The Pagosa Springs Police Department did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.
sedmondson@durangoherald.com
