Home in Arlington, Virginia explodes during police raid

A home exploded this Monday in Arlington County, Virginia. Police were on the scene searching the premises after being called to check on the occupant's strange and suspicious behavior.

According to the county police department, several officers were dispatched to the 800 block of N. Burlington Street at 4:45 pm. local time. They were responding to a 911 call reporting that someone was firing a flare gun from inside a home to a nearby road.

According to police, no damage was reported related to this first incident and police officers stayed on the scene to continue investigating.

In order to continue their investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for the home. They came into contact with the suspect who lives at the home. According to a statement released by the police department, they communicated with him via telephone and a megaphone.

The suspect remained inside the house where he had barricaded himself. According to the police department, while officers waited outside the 800 block of N. Burlington Street, several shots from what was believed to be a firearm were heard from inside the home. Immediately afterwards, around 8:25 pm, local time, there was a large explosion, which was seen from several blocks away.

Several social media users shared photos online showing the home up in flames. Debris can be seen flying through the air from the explosion.

Arlington County firefighters responded to the scene to put out the fire. As a result of the explosion, three officers suffered minor injuries but did not need to be transported to the hospital. The investigation is currently underway. The suspect has not yet been identified.