Arlington police said Tuesday they believe the man who barricaded himself inside his home died in the massive explosion that leveled the duplex-style house.
Arlington County Police Chief Andy Penn said suspect James Yoo, 56, of Arlington, is presumed dead following the blast that punctuated an hourslong standoff where law enforcement officers were trying to execute a search warrant at the residence.
“Human remains were located at the scene,” Chief Penn said at the news conference. “Our investigation has now transferred into a recovery operation as we work to collect all available evidence. There’s no ongoing threat to the community relating to this incident and no outstanding suspects.”
Authorities are still working to verify the remains were those of Mr. Yoo. Police said they had been called to the man’s home for two noise complaints in the past couple of years.
Chief Penn said police tried to negotiate with Mr. Yoo, and then later deployed chemical irritants in unsuccessful attempts to convince the suspect to leave the house.
At one point during the standoff, police said they heard what sounded like gunshots coming from inside the residence. Authorities said any gunfire coming from the suspected weapon did not leave the building.
PHOTOS: Massive explosion destroys Arlington, VA home with armed suspect inside
Jason Jenkins, the assistant chief of Arlington County Fire Department, said Mr. Yoo’s duplex neighbors were evacuated around 7 p.m. — about 90 minutes before the structure exploded.
Mr. Jenkins also said gas was cut off to the home as a precaution while the barricade was active. Fire officials said they didn’t want to speculate what caused the large blast until their investigation was complete.
David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, said Mr. Yoo had made calls, sent letters and submitted online tips to the bureau over several years.
“I would characterize these communications as primarily complaints about alleged frauds he believed were perpetrated against him,” Mr. Sundberg said. “The information contained therein, and the nature of these communications did not lead to opening any FBI investigations.”
The explosion at 844 N. Burlington St. took place around 8:25 p.m.
A bystander video of the incident appears to show police approaching the home in an armored vehicle when the blast went off.
Video of the explosion. Hope everyone was out of the house#Arlington #ballston @ARLnowDOTcom @RealTimeNews10 pic.twitter.com/JSZE7LkoTD
— c “” maj (@connormaj) December 5, 2023
The entire home appears to be demolished in the explosion, according to the video. The blast was heard throughout the sprawling suburban county.
“I was sitting in my living room watching television and the whole house shook,” Bob Maynes told The Associated Press. “It wasn’t an earthquake kind of tremor, but the whole house shook.”
U.S. Rep Don Beyer, who represents part of the Northern Virginia county, wrote 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.”
Three officers suffered minor injuries during the explosion, according to authorities.
Law enforcement was originally called to the residence around 4:45 p.m. over reports of a person firing a flare gun inside the home and into the neighborhood.
Police said the suspect fired the flare gun more than 30 times, but no injuries or property damage were reported.
The fire was brought under control by 10:30 p.m. Monday.
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