Architect Charged With Death Of LA Firefighter
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The architect of a Hollywood Hills mansion where a Los Angeles firefighter died during a blaze has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Authorities say the blaze started in an improperly installed fireplace. They say the flames burned through a plastic sprinkler pipe and filled the attic with water until the ceiling fell on 61-year-old firefighter Glen Allen.
Los Angeles County prosecutors charged 48-year-old Gerhard Becker on Wednesday. The German national could face up to four years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors say Becker was the architect and main contractor for the luxury home that caught fire on Feb. 16 last year.
Five others were injured in the blaze.
Becker was arrested when he flew from Spain to Los Angeles on Saturday. He remains jailed.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
