The Lander Police Department on Wednesday evening apprehended a 33-year-old Lander man suspected of trying to burn down a well-known local bar two days earlier.
A person tried lighting the Lander Bar at 126 Main St. on fire Sunday in the early morning hours by splashing accelerant on a back outer wall and igniting it, but the fire sputtered and died, the bar’s owner Kyle Vassilopoulos told Cowboy State Daily in a Tuesday interview.
The police department is not yet identifying the man by name, saying he hasn’t yet appeared in court.
“The case was meticulously investigated by Lander Police Department and a suspect was identified,” says a statement the department released Thursday morning.
The man is in the Fremont County Detention Center on recommended charges of criminal trespass and third-degree arson, says the statement.
“Thanks to the Lander Police Department and the detectives,” said Vassilopoulos in a Thursday interview. “And I’m glad there’s resolution to this for now, and that everybody’s safe.”
Vassilopoulous on Tuesday was hesitant about going public, saying he only did so to prevent any danger to the community, his staff or patrons.
The scorch damage to the building is minimal and the bar’s hours are as normal.
As of Thursday morning, the suspect had not been formally charged in Lander Circuit Court.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
