As police officers and a SWAT team executed a search warrant Monday in Arlington, Virginia, the home exploded in a massive fireball.
Police were dispatched to a home in a Virginia suburb just miles from Washington, D.C., at approximately 4:45 p.m. on December 4 because of a report of possible shots fired.
Further investigation determined that a man inside the home had allegedly discharged a flare gun over 30 times into the surrounding neighborhood, according to police.
As officers attempted to execute a search warrant and make contact with the suspect, multiple rounds were discharged from what police believe was a firearm. Shortly after the shots were reported, at approximately 8:25 p.m., an explosion occurred inside the home.
“During the early parts of it, after we had obtained a search warrant, we were attempting to make contact with the individual. Our SWAT team was on scene at that point, we would determine that the incident would be a barricade because the suspect had not exited the residence,” said Ashley Savage, public information officer with the Arlington County Police Department.
“We were attempting to make contact with the individual when shots were discharged inside the residence. … The suspect inside the residence discharged several rounds. The house subsequently exploded,” said Savage.
The blast was reportedly so powerful that neighbors several blocks away felt it inside their homes, reported ABC News. CBS News Chicago reported that people reported hearing the explosion up to two miles away.
The governor is closely monitoring the situation in Arlington this evening.
While we continue to gather details, the secretary of public safety is ready to assist state and local enforcement. https://t.co/Eur9fR99NE
— Macaulay Porter (@macaulayporter) December 5, 2023
The Arlington County Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire. By approximately 10:30 p.m., the fire was under control, and crews continued to battle small spot fires.
The Arlington Police Department reported three minor injuries to police officers.
Authorities have not released any information on the potential suspect or his condition.
The incident prompted a response from Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Youngkin’s press secretary released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The governor is closely monitoring the situation in Arlington this evening. While we continue to gather details, the secretary of public safety is ready to assist state and local enforcement.”
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) also released a statement addressing the blast on X.
“Monitoring the emergency response to a major explosion in the Bluemont neighborhood of Arlington tonight. This is very, very scary, and my profound thanks go out to first responders working to secure the area and keep everyone safe.”