Suspects caught on camera exploding pumpkin that set Littleton property on fire
KDVR Fox 31
LITTLETON, Colo. (KDVR) — A group of suspects were caught on camera exploding a pumpkin that caused a property fire late Halloween night in a Littleton neighborhood.
"It's very peaceful. All the neighbors know each other, we all hang out together and it's a great neighborhood," said resident Curtis Hoskins.
But just before 11:30 p.m. Thursday night, residents of a neighborhood near Wadsworth and Ken Caryl Avenue reported waking up to an explosion and then fire.
"I jumped out of bed and ran down here in my pajamas without even a second thought. My only thought was get water on that fire right now," said Hoskins.
In multiple surveillance videos, a person appears in the middle of Newland Street next to a pumpkin, the person runs and then a bright explosion is seen. The person gets into a car driven by someone else and drives away.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said flaming pumpkin shrapnel set a bush on fire at a nearby property. There were no injuries reported, and no other property loss.
"I look out the corner of my window, and it's reaching up 15-20 feet and I'm worried about these branches directly above. Of course, this time of year, everything is dying off, trees are going dormant," said property owner Ryan Whicman. "That is arson, whether they know it or not. They set my property on fire, it's not cool."
Neighbors could be seen jumping into action before first responders eventually arrived.
"I've only been living here for about a month and a half, two months now, that's where I'm extremely grateful that I have as amazing neighbors as I do," said Whicman. "I've got two little daughters in my house, wife, dog... a small action could have really big consequences."
JCSO said deputies could not tell from the mess left over after the explosion if it was a big firework or another type of incendiary device.
There are no suspects at this time.