ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — The suspect linked to a massive home explosion in Arlington, Va. on Monday night is presumed dead.
During a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Arlington County Police Department Chief Andy Penn said they believe the suspect is the homeowner, identified as 56-year-old James Yoo. Officials are currently working to positively identify the deceased body and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of the death.
Chief Penn said authorities are investigating concerning social media posts linked to the suspect. He added that records show police were called to the home for two prior calls for service for loud noise over the past couple of years.
According to Dave Sundberg, FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director, the suspect previously communicated with the FBI via phone calls, online tips and letters over several years.
"I would characterize these communications as primarily complaints about alleged frauds he believed were perpetrated against him. The information contained there in the nature of this communications did not lead to opening any FBI investigations." Sundberg said.
RELATED | Arlington home explodes after flare gun discharges and standoff with suspect: Police
On Monday, around 4:45 p.m., Arlington County police were dispatched to a residence on the 800 block of N. Burlington Street to investigate reports of possible shots fired.
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Chief Penn said officers tried to engage with the suspect without success. The suspect instead remained barricaded inside the home. Authorities then retrieved a search warrant and as officers were preparing to serve the warrant, police said the suspect discharged several rounds with what was believed to be a firearm.
To safely engage the suspect and take him into custody, officers placed "non-flammable less-lethal chemical" materials around the house to force the suspect out of the home, Chief Penn said.
"The purpose of this type of employment is to cause irritation and hopes of compelling the suspect to surrender," Chief Penn added.
Around 7 p.m., the fire personnel evacuated neighboring residents, according to Arlington County Fire Assistant Chief Jason Jenkins.
Just before 8:30 p.m., an explosion occurred at the home.
Assistant Chief Jenkins said fire personnel turned off the gas before the explosion occurred. The cause and origin of the explosion remain under investigation.
Authorities said luckily no officers or community members suffered serious injuries.
There were about 10 households impacted by the explosion, according to Arlington County Deputy County Manager Aaron Miller. The county is working to aid these families and provide resources to them at a local reception center.
"We're making available, some mental health counseling. We're also providing referrals to some of our nonprofit community-based partners, including the Red Cross, the Salvation Army and others as necessary," said Miller.
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, crews have begun recovery efforts at the scene. There is no ongoing threat to the community.
The Arlington County Board shared the following statement on the explosion:
The Arlington County Board is relieved to hear confirmation that last night’s explosion of the duplex in the Bluemont neighborhood did not result in any significant injuries to nearby residents or the officers attempting to bring the related stand-off to a peaceful resolution.
“The Board recognizes the Arlington County Police Department for their patience, skill, and bravery in handling this situation, as well as the Fire Department’s quick response to bringing a rare and challenging explosion under control and minimizing collateral damage,” Chair Dorsey said. “We also want to thank the Red Cross for supporting resident evacuations and the FBI and ATF for their assistance in this ongoing investigation.”
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