Arrest Made Following Historic Pump House Fire

Published on May 22, 2026

A man has been arrested in connection with a structure fire that severely damaged the historic pump house located at 1504 Dillon Avenue on May 16, 2026.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Cheyenne Police Department (CPD) officers and crews from Cheyenne Fire Rescue (CFR) were dispatched to reports of a fire at the vacant building. Upon arrival, first responders observed that the structure was engulfed in flames, with fire extending into the roof and attic.

Crews worked to contain the blaze, which was declared extinguished at approximately 10:46 p.m. Investigators from CFR and the CPD’s Arson Unit worked together to examine the scene, collect evidence, and determine how the fire started.

The joint investigation revealed that the fire originated in a room on the south side of the building. Accidental causes - including mechanical issues, environmental factors, and nearby railroad activity - were ruled out. The building also had no utilities connected. It was concluded that the fire was human-caused, and intentionally, recklessly, or negligently ignited.

The pump house was previously used to support railroad locomotive operations and later served as a storage facility for the City of Cheyenne. The structure has been abandoned for a decade and has experienced repeated unlawful entry despite efforts to secure the property.

During the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business that captured a man, later identified as 35-year-old Christophe Carabajal, entering the property through a gap in the fence and climbing into the building through a ground-floor window shortly before the fire began. Carabajal was later seen leaving minutes before flames became visible. No other people were observed entering or exiting the property.

Carabajal was arrested yesterday, May 21, on an unrelated public intoxication charge. Detectives have submitted a probable cause affidavit to the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office supporting additional arson-related charges.