Man charged with setting fire to own apartment in gated community of Longwood, sworn testimony reveals

LONGWOOD, Florida. – A man accused of setting fire to his apartment in the gated community of Longwood has now been charged with arson, according to an affidavit.

Mark Hermann, 53, was arrested on Monday.

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On January 14, firefighters arrived at 265 Crown Oaks Way, where they found the building on fire.

According to an affidavit, Hermann told a paramedic that he “set the fire in retaliation” to the Homeowners Association. Hermann also told the paramedic that he shot himself in the neck after setting the fire, the affidavit says.

A neighbor told authorities they heard a loud explosion and smelled gasoline when the fire broke out, according to an affidavit. According to official figures, the fire damaged nearby residential buildings.

Investigators reported a strong smell of gasoline in the apartment where the fire broke out and determined that someone else, rather than an accidental fire, caused the fire, the affidavit says.

A video of the fire shared with News 6 by Peter DeGregory shows the blaze seen from a nearby intersection through the canopy of trees.

At the time, the fire department said they were investigating to determine if the fire was caused by an explosion.

Hermann is due to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon.

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