It could be the video of the year, an Arlington house engulfed in a fireball, then blowing up with all the pieces of the house propelled high in the air. The explosion was felt and seen throughout the area. Google and watch the video if you haven't already seen it many times.
The Arlington County Board released a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 5, saying they were “relieved to hear confirmation that last night’s explosion of the duplex in the Bluemont neighborhood did not result in any significant injuries to nearby residents or the officers attempting to bring the related stand-off to a peaceful resolution.”
But the homeowner, identified by police as Jame Yoo, is presumed dead in the wreckage of the house; human remains were found in the aftermath.
“My family and I are fine but our house shook and we could see the flames from our front yard,” said Del. Patrick Hope. Many others echoed his words. Hope thanked the Arlington police department and fire department for being “on the scene of a very dangerous situation tonight.”
The Board’s statement cited the Arlington County Police Department for their “patience, skill, and bravery” as well as the Fire Department’s quick response to bringing a rare and challenging explosion under control and minimizing collateral damage.
The Red Cross was on the scene supporting resident evacuations. The FBI and ATF are assisting in this ongoing investigation.
At approximately 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 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. Some residents described the firing of the flares as looking like fireballs.
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 house.
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 was under control and crews continued to battle small spot fires.
Three officers reported minor injuries but there were no transports to the hospital related to this incident. The investigation is ongoing.
Watch the County's Press Conference for more information.