Federal agents are combing through an Arlington neighborhood as local police give more details about an explosion that occurred on Monday, Dec. 4. The blast, which leveled a duplex in a Washington, D.C., suburb, happened as police tried to serve a search warrant following an hours-long standoff.
In an initial report, law enforcement said no officers were seriously hurt in the blast, adding that three officers reported minor injuries.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 5, Arlington County Police Chief Andy Penn identified the suspect as 56-year-old James Yoo. He is believed to be dead, and human remains were found at the site of the house. No one else had any serious injuries.
Police do not have a motive, but they are investigating Yoo’s Facebook posts. He had no previous encounters with this police department other than a couple of noise complaints.
Officials credited the quick actions of first responders for saving lives and property.
According to police, neighbors reported hearing possible gunshots from inside the home earlier in the day. Police arrived on the scene around 4:25 p.m. local time and determined the suspect had shot a flare gun around 30 times from inside the home into the neighborhood.
A standoff ensued; police said the suspect fired several rounds from what they believe was a firearm. At approximately 8:25 p.m. local time, as officers tried to make contact with the suspect, the home exploded sending debris and shock throughout the neighborhood.
The Arlington Fire Department said that firefighters battled flames from the blast, getting them under control at around 10:40 p.m. Crews addressed several spot fires throughout the night.
The cause of the explosion was not released yet, and they said no timetable for the investigation has been set.
The shockwaves not only spread through the neighborhood, they spread on social media as well. Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., who represents that district posted his concerns on social media.
“Monitoring the emergency response to a major explosion in the Bluemont neighborhood of Arlington tonight,” Beyer posted on X. “This is very, very scary, and my profound thanks go out to first responders working to secure the area and keep everyone safe.”
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