Man Charged in Florida Blaze

Aug. 15, 2006
The blaze in Coral Gables sent 16 to the hospital.

Police said they have arrested the person believed to be responsible for starting a fire at a hotel that is also used as a condominium Friday afternoon.

Rene Alexander Lengen was charged Monday with one count of first-degree arson and one count of arson causing bodily harm.

Sixteen people were hospitalized when a fire started on the eighth floor of the David William Hotel, located at 700 Biltmore Way in Coral Gables.

Many of the residents of the 116-unit building are elderly.

Sixteen people, including two firefighters and two police officers, were treated for smoke inhalation and heat-related illness.

The fire caused an estimated $3.5 million in damage to the building.

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