Man Who Jumped From Burning Condo Accused Of Arson

News Channel 8 file photo by ERIC HAUSMANN

Gerald Parks leapt from the balcony at 171 Marina Del Rey Court, where he lives, on Dec. 30, authorities said.

Gerald Parks

By TBO.com
Published: January 12, 2009
Updated: January 12, 2009 - 1:55 PM

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The man who jumped from a second-story balcony in December to escape a Clearwater condominium fire has been accused of setting it.

Gerald Parks, 60, was arrested Friday on a charge of arson.

Parks leapt from the balcony at 171 Marina Del Rey Court, where he lives, on Dec. 30, authorities said. He injured his back.

The fire damaged at least two condominiums and caused an estimated $1 million in damage and losses, authorities said.

A group of investigators from various agencies helped determine that the fire did not start accidentally, according to the state fire marshal's office.

The fire was started in the condominium where Parks lives with his wife, state officials said. The arsonist started the fire by using a flame to ignite a flammable liquid, they said. They declined to say why they think Parks started the blaze.