A house exploded in Arlington, Virginia, as police were attempting to execute a search warrant, authorities said Monday. The
Police were sent to the home around 4:45 p.m. after receiving a report about someone firing a flare gun from inside the house. After getting a search warrant, police officers approached the home several hours after they initially arrived. Then “the suspect inside the residence discharged several rounds,” Arlington County police spokesperson Ashley Savage said, after which the blast occurred.
The suspect, who was not immediately identified, was inside the house at the time of the explosion, Savage said. Police were not aware of anyone else inside the house, which was a duplex, but said they could not rule out the possibility others had been inside Savage said.
The suspect’s condition was not immediately known and fire officials said they were waiting for a utility company to arrive before they could enter the remains of the structure.
Several officers suffered minor injuries, but none required hospitalization.
Police and fire officials could not immediately say what caused the explosion. Savage said it wasn’t clear if the rounds that were fired as officers approached were from the flare gun or some other weapon.
The aftermath of the blast could be seen from several blocks away.
The Arlington County Fire Department said the fire was under control as of roughly 10:30 p.m., but crews were still dealing with small spot fires.
The ATF and FBI were both assisting with the investigation.
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