Large house explosion in Bluemont (Arlington, VA) amid police incident

[IronLionZion]

https://www.arlnow.com/2023/12/04/part-of-bluemont-trail-closed-due-to-man-shooting-off-flare-gun/



(Updated at 11:20 p.m.) A large explosion, heard throughout Arlington, has rocked the Bluemont neighborhood after a police standoff.

A duplex, where a suspect was involved in an ongoing incident with police, exploded in a massive fireball as police, including a SWAT armored vehicle, moved in. It followed the suspect repeatedly firing a flare gun over nearby Fields Park.

Residents in the area were being instructed to shelter in place, while others were evacuated by police.

Arlington County police said the person inside the house fired shots as officers tried to enter the home, just before the explosion. A video, below, shows the explosion (the video contains strong language and disturbing imagery.)

“As officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at the residence, the suspect discharged several rounds inside the home,” said ACPD. “Subsequently, an explosion occurred at the residence and officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the explosion.”

“I think it blew up the entire duplex,” one neighbor told ARLnow in the immediate aftermath. “I’m sure the family next door was evacuated before it blew up but they lost their home.”

A large fire department response remains on scene as of 11 p.m., working to extinguish the resulting blaze.

Link to tweet

More: https://wtop.com/arlington/2023/12/house-explodes-in-arlington-after-police-warn-of-man-setting-off-flare-gun/

Link to tweet

It's wild out here. This happened near the Ballston neighborhood in north Arlington. Map at link. Some people have lost their minds completely.

[IronLionZion]

1. WaPo link

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/04/blast-arlington-flare-gun-house/

[spooky3]

2. Here's an update from county govt at 12:51 am:

“Police Issue Preliminary Statement on Home Explosion

ARLINGTON, Va. – At approximately 4:45 p.m. on December 4, the Arlington County Police Department was dispatched to the 800 block of N. Burlington Street for the report of possible shots heard. The preliminary investigation indicated a suspect discharged a flare gun approximately 30 – 40 times from inside his residence into the surrounding neighborhood. No property damage or injuries were reported related to the discharge of the flare gun.

During the course of the investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence and attempted to make contact with the suspect over the telephone and through loudspeakers. The suspect did not respond and remained barricaded inside the residence. As officers were attempting to execute the search warrant, the suspect discharged several rounds, from what is believed to be a firearm, inside the home. Subsequently, at approximately 8:25 p.m., an explosion occurred at the residence. The investigation into the circumstances of the explosion are ongoing.

The Arlington County Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire. As of approximately 10:30 p.m., the fire is under control and crews continue to battle small spot fires.

Three officers reported minor injuries and there were no transports to the hospital related to this incident. The investigation is ongoing.“