Domestic violence suspect, 2 children hospitalized after fire

NORTHGLENN, Colo. – Authorities describe a frantic scene as firefighters charged into a burning duplex in Northglenn Thursday morning to rescue a man and two children in -what appears to be- a tragic case of domestic violence.

It began shortly after 2 a.m. in Aurora when police responded to a home in the 3600 block of S. Dallas St. where a woman claimed her ex-husband was driving through the grass.

“She relayed the vehicle description and that he may be (driving) back to a house in Northglenn,” said Aurora Police spokeswoman Cassidee Carlson.  “She also requested through Aurora dispatch center, a welfare check of her children in Northglenn.”

Northglenn police found the suspect, identified as William Johnson, with his kids in the car, but determined there was no reason to detain him, Carlson said.

At about 4:30 a.m. officers responded to a duplex in the 11000 block of York St. where the children’s mother was found outside, covered in blood, saying Johnson was inside the home assaulting the children.

“(She was screaming) He’s killing my children! He’s killing my children,” said neighbor Jeanne Sparkman.

“Officers forced entry into a barricaded front door after seeing a flash fire erupt,” said Northglenn Police commander Jeremy Sloan. “Officers attempted to rescue the occupants of the home but were forced back by heavy smoke and inhalation.”

Additional fire crews arrived and finally gained entry into the home and discovered a working fire on the stairs.

“Firefighters rescued three (people) and a dog who were all unconscious and located on the second story of the home,” said Sloan.

Both children, one a toddler, were unconscious when paramedics transported them to area hospitals, a neighbor told FOX31 Denver. The children and Johnson were listed in critical condition Thursday evening.

Johnson is being investigated for two counts of attempted homicide, domestic violence and assault.

Two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and a dog was transported to a 24-hour veterinary service.

Records show Johnson and his wife filed for divorce last month. Neighbors say they appeared to be pleasant, friendly family.