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DPD arrests man for firing flare into vehicle in front of downtown police station

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Posted at 11:30 AM, Nov 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-23 14:46:07-05

DENVER, Colo. — Denver Police arrested a man after he allegedly fired a flare into a vehicle right in front of the downtown police station.

According to an arrest affidavit, Derick Smialek, 37, walked into District 6 police station on N. Washington St. around 5:15 p.m. Sunday. Prior to walking in, Smialek was seen on HALO footage pacing around his vehicle parked in the driveway of the station.

Smialek then fired a flare gun into the vehicle and police said he was expecting it to light up. The contents were soaked in gasoline, according to the affidavit.

The vehicle did not ignite and police took Smialek into custody. The bomb squad responded and the vehicle was towed to be held for investigation.

Smialek hasn't been officially charged as of Monday morning, but he's being held for investigations of first-degree arson, reckless endangerment and possession of a weapon by a previous offender. His criminal history shows previous felony convictions, which restricts him from possessing a flare gun. Some of those previous convictions include assault, domestic violence and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Smialek is scheduled to have his first court appearance Monday afternoon.