Suspect Arrested for Vehicle Theft, Arson & Land Damage

A man was arrested Monday morning for stealing a car, setting it on fire, and damaging agricultural land.

Just after 4:30 a.m. on January 12, 2026, the Larimer County Emergency Communication Center received a 9-1-1 call about a vehicle theft. The caller said he went into a business in the 400 block of Centro Way and came out minutes later to find his 2019 Kia Soul had been stolen.

The victim had access to location details for a cell phone in the vehicle, and he provided Dispatchers with periodic updates to assist local law enforcement in the search. Around 5:20 a.m., deputies found the car in a field east of Timnath Reservoir and north of Weld County Road 78. The Kia and a nearby tree were completely engulfed in flames, and the suspect ran into an adjacent neighborhood before deputies could contact him.

Using drone technology, deputies searched the area and found the suspect coming out of a swampy area. He then tried to enter a law enforcement vehicle but was unsuccessful. The suspect was safely taken into custody and identified as Jared Rosier (DOB 11/27/90) of Denver.

Rosier was booked into the Larimer County Jail on the following charges:

• First Degree Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft (class 3 felony)
• Second Degree Arson (class 4 felony)
• Criminal Mischief - $5,000-$19,000 (class 5 felony)
• Second Degree Criminal Trespass - Agricultural Land - Intent to Commit Felony (class 5 felony)
• False Reporting of Identifying Information to Law Enforcement (class 6 felony)
• Obstructing a Peace officer (class 2 misdemeanor)
• Second Degree Criminal Trespass - enclosed space (petty offense)

A booking photo is attached. Rosier was issued a $5,000 cash/surety bond by the Larimer County Court.

“This outcome is a direct result of well-coordinated teamwork and technology,” said Undersheriff Joe Shellhammer, who leads the Operations division. “I hope this sends a strong message to anyone thinking about stealing cars or damaging land in Larimer County. We’re committed to keeping this community safe and helping victims find justice.”

The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our public safety partners who assisted in bringing this incident to a safe resolution: Fort Collins Police Services, Timnath Police Department, CSU Police, Windsor-Severance Fire Rescue, and the Weld County Emergency Communications Center.

The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.