What to Know
- Nathan J. Counts, 39, was arrested Tuesday on 28 counts of arson and criminal mischief plus three animal cruelty counts in the Feb. 12 fire
- According to an arrest report, Counts admitted to intentionally setting the fire by pouring gasoline throughout the condo then igniting it
- The massive fire destroyed 28 units and killed three cats before firefighters brought it under control, officials said
A Coral Springs man is facing multiple arson charges after police say he intentionally set his condo unit on fire in a blaze that left dozens of residents displaced and caused as much as $4 million in damages.
Nathan J. Counts, 39, was arrested Tuesday on 28 counts of arson and criminal mischief plus three animal cruelty counts in the Feb. 12 fire at the Ramblewood East Condos at 8740 Northwest 40th Street, Coral Springs Police said.
According to an arrest report, Counts admitted to intentionally setting the fire by pouring gasoline throughout the condo before he ignited it. Counts said he was depressed and felt suicidal over an ongoing child custody dispute, the report said.
After the fire was ignited, Counts' fiance arrived home as he ran out and locked the door behind him, the report said.
The massive fire destroyed 28 units and killed three cats before firefighters brought it under control, officials said. No residents were injured but the total damages are estimated between $3.5 to $4 million, officials said.
Counts was being held without bond Wednesday, jail records showed. Attorney information wasn't available.
