Virginia police officers suffered minor injuries Monday when a house exploded after authorities tried to execute a search warrant concerning reports that a person was firing flare gun rounds in the neighborhood.
The explosive incident happened at around 4:45 a.m. after Arlington police received calls about someone firing between 30 and 40 flare gun rounds into the surrounding neighborhood, ABC News reports. Officers investigated the reports and tried to execute a search warrant on the suspect's house.
As police tried to make contact with the suspect, a SWAT unit was called in as authorities prepared for a possible barricade incident, said Ashley Savage, the department's public information officer.
"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," the department stated in a release. "Subsequently, at approximately 8:25 p.m., an explosion occurred at the residence."
Residents reported that the concussion of the explosion could be felt several blocks away. Flares were seen issuing from the house just before the blast, according to bystanders.
The fire was under control by about 10:30 p.m., and the fire department continued to douse hot spots. Because of the fire, police were unable to reach the suspect, who was believed to be in the house at the time of the explosion. The suspect's condition was unknown at the time.
Three officers suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene, The New York Times reports. No other injuries were reported.
