On June 12 at approximately 1:17 a.m., Archuleta County Combined Dispatch received a fire alarm notification from 449 San Juan St., the location of both the Archuleta County Assessor’s Office and the Archuleta County Clerk’s Office.
Officer Colton Calavan of the Pagosa Springs Police Department was the first to respond and observed evidence suggesting that the fire was intentionally set.
Throughout the investigation a suspect vehicle was identified. This vehicle was subsequently linked to William Wayne Bryant, 71, a resident of Archuleta County.
Subsequently search warrants and arrest warrants were issued for Bryant on Wednesday, June 25.
On Thursday June 26, Bryant was taken into custody.
Due to the nature of the attack on a government facility, Bryant faces serious charges, including first-degree arson, use of an incendiary device and possible federal charges related to threats against public infrastructure.
This complex case resulted from the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the Pagosa Springs Police Department, Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office, Pagosa Fire Protection District, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This incident was a deliberate and dangerous act against a vital part of our community’s democratic and administrative infrastructure. Thanks to the extraordinary cooperation of our law enforcement and emergency partners, we were able to quickly identify a suspect and begin the process of restoring justice and safety to our community.
The investigation remains active. Members of the public with any additional information are urged to contact the Pagosa Springs Police Department.
