ST. LOUIS -- A New Orleans man who used rubber suction cups to climb to the top of the Gateway Arch and then parachuted 630 feet to the ground could face misdemeanor charges, officials with the National Park Service said Tuesday.

A man who identified himself as John Vincent, 25, eluded authorities at the scene of Monday morning's jump, then contacted several media outlets to describe his feat before leaving town.


Two radio traffic reporters flying in a helicopter were among those who saw the man on top of the arch before he jumped. However, Vincent sold photographs he snapped himself atop the arch to the St. Louis Post- Dispatch and a local television station.

The traffic reporters, pedestrians and startled motorists on nearby highways saw the parachutist leap and land safely in the grass around the structure. Witnesses said the jumper then ran to a waiting car near the Mississippi River and fled the scene.

The arch is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on the St. Louis riverfront, which commemorates President Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase and the country's westward expansion. The 630-foot- high stainless steel monument symbolizes the historic role of St. Louis as the 'Gateway to the West.'

Vincent earned national attention in May 1991 when he parachuted from the top of the World Trade Center in New York City. He said charges filed against him for that jump later were dropped.

Vincent said it took him more than two hours to climb the arch, using two rubber suction cups to ascend the north leg. He said he moved the suction cups one at a time, while placing his feet in stirrups suspended from the cups. He said he reached the top Sunday evening.

The construction worker from New Orleans described himself as a licensed pilot, climber and avid parachutist.

Park Service rangers arrested two St. Louis area men at the scene and said they apparently were Vincent's accomplices. Officials also said charges may be filed against Vincent.