Home explodes in gigantic fireball after man inside ‘fired gunshots’ at police
An explosion has destroyed a home after a man was seen ‘firing 30 to 40 gunshots’ from inside.
The blast was reported in Arlington, Virginia, at around 8.30pm, and footage shows how the explosion sent debris flying in all directions and lit up the night sky.
Before police arrived, neighbours reported the man had been firing the gun at random.
An online video shows what appears to be a Swat team vehicle advancing towards the residence as the blast occurs.
When swat teams arrived, the man fired at officers and they prepared to enter the home before it exploded.
The man inside is still missing and no police officers were injured.
Officers have been unable to access the property – meaning the man has not been apprehended or recovered.
Locals said on social media that they felt their homes shake following the blast.
Arlington County Police posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘As officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at the residence, the suspect discharged several rounds inside the home.
‘Subsequently, an explosion occurred at the residence and officers continue to investigate the circumstances of the explosion.’
Arlington County Police spokesperson Ashley Savage confirmed a suspect reportedly shot 30 to 40 flares ‘from inside his residence into the surrounding neighborhood’.
He added: ‘At this point, we’re only aware of one individual who was inside the home.’
Investigations into the blast are now being carried out and the suspect’s identity has not yet been released.
Some of the locals have been told to evacuate by police and others have been told to shelter in place.
Carla Rodriguez rushed to the scene from two miles away when she heard the blast.
She said: ‘I actually thought a plane exploded.’
Bob Paynes thought a tree had fallen on his home and said: ‘I was sitting in my living room watching television and the whole house shook.
‘It wasn’t an earthquake kind of tremor, but the whole house shook.’
The fire department confirmed it was under control by 10.40pm.
An eyewitness called Jim Mathews posted about the explosion on X.
He wrote: ‘Looked like flares being fired off. Large red fire ball (with ‘tail’) just above tree line heading west.
‘Would last 15-20 secs. Several in a mater of 5 mins or so. About 5 mins before I posted.’
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