Investigators believe an early morning fire at a four-plex, which forced a man to jump to safety from a second-story window, was intentionally set.
The fire broke out just after 12:30 a.m. Monday at 619 E. 5th Ave., Salt Lake City fire spokesman Scott Freitag said. Investigators determined Monday afternoon that someone placed a pile of trash in the entry way of the complex and set it on fire. Materials from that pile were sent to the state crime lab to determine if any accelerants were used, he said.
Damage to the complex was estimated at $200,000. No one was seriously injured. But Richard Dupont, the lone resident of the second floor, was forced to throw his small dog from his window and then jump from the burning building.
While falling, Dupont grabbed the branches of a tree and shimmied to safety, he said. He was treated for bruises and lacerations at the scene.
The dog was unhurt but frightened, Dupont said. A second man in the complex also was able to escape unharmed.
Arson investigators had no motive or possible suspect Monday, Freitag said.
Also Monday, charges related to a methamphetamine lab in the same apartment building were filed in 3rd District Court. The charges accuse a 42-year-old man of first-degree felony unlawful possession of a controlled substance, first-degree felony possession of clandestine laboratory equipment and class A misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police found enough evidence to charge the man after serving a search warrant on his apartment, according to documents obtained in court.
If convicted on all counts, the man could spend between 10 years and life in prison. His sentence could be enhanced because the alleged offenses took place within 1,000 feet of a church.
Freitag said Monday the fire department does not know of a connection between the fire and the methamphetamine lab, but that police were talking with the complex's owner and looking at old police records as part of their investigation.
E-mail: rpalmer@desnews.com; preavy@desnews.com