An explosion tore through a house in Arlington, Virginia Monday evening after police spent hours attempting to get the occupant who was shooting a flare gun to stop shooting and come outside.
At approximately 4:45 p.m., the Arlington County police were dispatched to the 800 block of N. Burlington Street after a report of possible shots. Police said a suspect discharged a flare gun about 30 to 40 times from inside the residence into the surrounding neighborhood.
No property damage or injuries were reported related to the discharge of the flare gun.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and repeatedly attempted to make contact over the telephone and through loudspeakers but the suspect did not respond and remained barricaded inside the residence, police reported.
Several neighbors were evacuated and police urged others in the area to shelter in place.
Police said that as officers were attempting to execute the search warrant, the suspect discharged several rounds from what they believe was a firearm from inside the home. Then, at approximately 8:25 p.m., an explosion occurred at the residence, causing flames, smoke and flying debris at the site.
The Arlington County Fire Department was on the scene within minutes and as of 10:30 p.m. had the fire under control.
Social media posts indicate that the house was a duplex and that at least two homes may have been damaged.
Three officers reported minor injuries. There has been no indication yet of the condition or whereabouts of the suspect in the house
An investigation into the circumstances of the explosion is underway.
Topics Virginia Gun Liability
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