DENVER (KDVR) — A 27-year-old man was arrested on a charge of arson in connection to a fire that damaged an Aurora church before Good Friday in March.
According to the Aurora Fire Rescue, Elias David Nassour-Ochoa was arrested on Oct. 10 after a felony arson warrant had already been issued. He is facing a charge of first-degree arson.
On March 28, Aurora Fire Rescue crews were called to the Aurora First Presbyterian Church at 9:50 a.m. The fire destroyed several offices and caused smoke damage throughout the church, which houses several ministries under one roof, including First Presbyterian and Living Water Christian Center.
Fire crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading any further, but the damage was done. Pastor Thomas Mayes with Living Water Christian Center said his office suffered significant damage, but it would not stop him from having service.
Police had called the fire arson and were looking for the suspect, who was apprehended seven months later. Aurora Fire said over 170 investigative hours went into identifying Nassour-Ochoa.
“While the fire was avoidable and tragic, we are proud of the work of our firefighters to quickly suppress the fire and prevent its spread, and the work of our Investigations team to identify the assailant and bring a sense of closure for Pastor Mayes and the congregation,” said the Aurora Fire Rescue to FOX31.
Nassour-Ochoa’s preliminary hearing will be in January.
