A man has been arrested for breaking into a business, stealing a sword, and starting a fire at a local motel the night of July 25, 2025. At approximately 10:54 p.m., the Estes Park Police Department (EPPD) received a report that a male had just broken a window at Blades knife shop, located at 145 E. Elkhorn Avenue. After gaining entry, the male stole a sword before fleeing the scene on foot. Officers responded to the area and began searching for the suspect.
At approximately 11:50 p.m., a fire was reported at the Haber Motel located at 397 E. Elkhorn Avenue. A shed next to the motel, a tree, and part of the hotel roof were on fire. Officers responded to assist the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. The hotel was evacuated and firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire before it spread further. No injuries were reported.
On July 26, at approximately 12:47 a.m., an EPPD officer and a deputy with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Department (LCSO) contacted a male at the Estes Park Visitor Center, 500 Big Thompson Ave. The man, who was later identified as Thomas Chase Hill (11/04/1992), was in possession of the stolen sword. Hill was arrested and booked into the Larimer County Jail, where he remains in custody…