Massive explosion occurs at Virginia home when police try to execute search warrant

A massive explosion occurred at a home in Arlington, Virginia, when police attempted to execute a search warrant, officials said Tuesday. 

The Arlington County Police Department responded to reports of shots being heard shortly before 5 p.m. on Monday, law enforcement said. A preliminary investigation indicated that a flare gun was discharged up to 40 times within the suspect's home and no property damage or injuries occurred as a result.

Officers obtained a search warrant for the residence and tried to contact the suspect over the phone and through loud speakers, but the suspect did not respond and remained barricaded inside the home.

Inside the home, the suspect discharged several rounds from what is suspected to be a firearm, and shortly before 8:30 p.m., an explosion occurred at the home.

A bystander caught the explosion on video and posted it on X, formerly Twitter, and it shows the two-story structure collapse as flames shoot up.  

The Arlington County Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire, posting on X shortly after 10:30: "Fire is under control, crews continue to battle small spot fires. Units remaining on scene for an undetermined amount of time."

Three police officers reported minor injuries as a result of the incident and none were transported to the hospital as a result. 

An investigation into the explosion and the entire incident is ongoing.

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