Pinellas Park Police Arrest Man For Setting Home On Fire
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Updated: July 25, 2015 – 9 PM
Pinellas Park Police Department reports a local Fire / Arson Investigator and an Arson Dog responded to the scene and confirmed the fire appeared to be intentionally set.
Posted: July 25, 2015 – 4 PM (original posting below)
On Saturday, July 25, 2015, units from Pinellas Park, Lealman and Largo Fire Rescue were dispatched to reports of a structure fire at 5310 97th Terrace N in Pinellas Park shortly before 8 AM.
Arriving fire units kept a safe distance until the scene was safe for firefighting operations due to past interactions between the occupant of the home and Pinellas Park Police. Unusual behavior was also being reported on behalf of the occupant by a resident who contacted 911. Once the occupant, identified as 57 year-old Gregory Gallagher, was in custody, crews observed smoke and flames from the back corner of the home.
The fire was extinguished but the structure experienced significant damage.
Neighbors report Gallagher had been exhibiting very bizarre behavior recently. Over the past few months, they report Gallagher has been destroying the home by breaking out the windows, throwing appliances like the hot water heater by the street and running his vehicle into and damaging the garage door. In addition, Pinellas Park Police have been at the home recently.
Gallagher was arrested by Pinellas Park Police and booked into the Pinellas County Jail about 11:30 AM. He is now facing charges of First Degree Arson and being held on $50,000 bond. Gallagher has many arrests on record in both Pinellas and Hillsborough County. He also has a history of being evaluated for mental health issues.
No other occupants were home at the time and no injuries reported. Sunstar Paramedics and Duke Energy also assisted at the scene.
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