Golden police search for person of interest in townhouse fire

Golden police are searching for a man they say is a person of interest in a suspicious morning fire that engulfed a multi-residential building.

Police responded to the Table Mountain Townhomes complex, 17250 W. Colfax Ave., around 3:25 a.m. on a felony menacing report, according to a news release.

Officers arrived and contacted a victim, who told them that a neighbor, in unit 103, had knocked a hole through a common wall and that a gun, with a tactical light attached, protruded through the opening, according to officials.

Police confirmed the troubling circumstance and knocked on the door to unit 103, the news release said. In seconds, an orange glow emitted from the unit, where curtains “were beginning to melt.”

The officers backed away, “heard a boom and could see visible smoke and flames,” according to the news release. Officers evacuated the building.

The Golden Fire Department arrived at 3:35 a.m., and Building A in the complex was in flames. West Metro Fire District and several other local fire departments helped put out the fire. No injuries were reported, and the American Red Cross assisted displaced residents with immediate needs and shelter.

The person who was in unit 103 was not found.

James Gambrell Jr., 48, has been identified “as a person of interest” in connection with the fire. Authorities describe Gambrell as having military experience and that he “may be highly paranoid” and “should be considered armed.”

Anyone who knows of Gambrell’s whereabouts is urged to avoid him and to call 911 immediately.

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