Investigation Underway Following Explosion at Arlington Residence During Police Operation

Investigation Underway Following Explosion at Arlington Residence During Police Operation

In a suburb of Washington, D.C., in Arlington, Virginia, a substantial explosion devastated a duplex home on Monday night, just hours after a suspect inside the building repeatedly fired a flare gun into the surrounding area. This incident prompted an extensive police presence, as confirmed by Arlington County Police spokesperson Ashley Savage on Tuesday.

Police managed to avoid grave injuries, but the fate of the suspect, who was in the residence at the time of the explosion, remains unknown. The police initially arrived at the scene around 4:45 p.m. following reports of gunfire. Early investigations indicated the suspect had fired the flare gun from within the residence, yet no injuries or damage were reported at that time.

In the midst of their inquiries, the police secured a search warrant and attempted to contact the suspect through phone calls and loudspeakers. However, the suspect stayed inside, unresponsive to police efforts.

Prior Report
An Arlington, Virginia home was demolished in an explosion as police were executing a search warrant.

During the warrant execution, the suspect reportedly fired multiple shots from what is believed to be a firearm. Around 8:30 p.m., the building was rocked by a violent explosion, propelling flames and debris into the sky. An active investigation into the explosion’s cause is underway.

According to Savage, while there’s no evidence suggesting others were in the duplex, the possibility cannot be entirely dismissed.

The Arlington County Fire Department declared the fire under control by 10:30 p.m., though firefighters continued to extinguish residual spot fires into the early hours of Tuesday. Three officers sustained minor injuries, but hospitalization was not necessary.

Local resident Carla Rodriguez, from South Arlington, reported hearing the explosion from over two miles away. She attempted to approach the scene but was held back by the police.

Bob Maynes, another local, initially thought a tree had fallen on his house due to the loudness of the explosion. He recounted feeling his house shake while he was watching television, describing the sensation as different from an earthquake.

The incident took place in Bluemont, a north Arlington neighborhood known for its duplex homes, situated across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

The cause of the explosion is still unknown, as stated by Capt. Nate Hiner of the Arlington Fire Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has deployed federal agents and fire investigators to assist with the ongoing investigation.

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More about Arlington explosion

• Arlington Police Department Official Statement
• Local Witness Accounts of Arlington Explosion
• Arlington County Fire Department Update
• ATF Involvement in Arlington Explosion Investigation