Barricaded Suspect Blows Up Home While Police Execute Search Warrant

(UnitedHeadlines.com) – An Arlington, Virginia, home exploded Dec. 4 after a suspect involved in a standoff with police fired a traditional gun and a flare gun inside the home.

After a report of possible shots fired, Arlington County police officers responded to the N. Burlington Street home around 4:45 p.m. Dec 4. A flare gun was discharged by a suspect about 30 to 40 times inside the home into the neighborhood, according to a preliminary investigation. The officers attempted to talk to the suspect, identified as 56-year-old James Yoo, through loudspeakers and over the phone. The suspect did not respond and instead remained barricaded inside the home. Police stated that there were no injuries or property damage from the flare gun being discharged.

Police evacuated residents from homes near the 800 block of N. Burlington Street around 7 p.m. At about 8:25 p.m., police attempted to execute a search warrant at the suspect’s home. Police said several rounds were discharged from what police believe to be a firearm from inside the home, which caused the home to explode.

The Arlington County Fire Department responded to the scene. The fire was brought under control by 10:30 p.m.

Investigators believe Yoo died in the explosion. Arlington County Police Chief Andy Penn said that human remains have been located, and the medical examiner’s office is working on identifying the body. Police were unaware of anyone else inside the home besides the suspect. Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management Director Aaron Miller said that 10 homes were affected by the explosion.

Three officers suffered minor injuries in the incident. According to police, “there were no transports to the hospital related to this incident.”

According to Penn, Yoo’s interactions with police were limited to two minor noise incidents. “Concerning social media posts” made by the suspect were being reviewed by investigators.

The circumstances of the explosion remain under investigation by the ATF, FBI and local police.