What to Know
- Law enforcement sources say a man has been charged in the massive blaze that gutted a century-old apartment building in Manhattan last year
- Jelani Parker, 34, has been arrested in the blaze that destroyed his building on West 144th Street and Broadway on Nov. 17
- Nine people were hurt in the blaze, which sent a towering plume of smoke stretching into the New York City skyline
A 34-year-old tenant is facing arson charges in the massive, wind-swept blaze that destroyed a century-old apartment building in upper Manhattan late last year, according to law enforcement sources.
Jelani Parker was arrested in the blaze that destroyed his building on West 144th Street and Broadway on Nov. 17, the sources said Thursday night. He was arrested in Los Angeles and is already back in New York City.
Nine people were hurt in the blaze, which gutted the building and sent a towering plume of smoke stretching into the Manhattan skyline. Hundreds of residents were displaced by the fire, but no fatalities were reported.
The sources said Parker faces three counts of assault, one count of arson and one count of reckless endangerment. The NYPD said he is waiting to be arraigned.
It's not clear whether authorities believe Parker set the blaze intentionally, or if others were thought to be involved.
More than 200 firefighters were called to the 39-apartment building, which was occupied when the fire broke out. They searched the floors to make sure everyone was out -- even rescuing at least one dog -- and that there were no reports of missing tenants. Officials initially said the building was unoccupied and under renovation.
