Police took at least one suspect into custody this evening after the man allegedly attempted to steal copper pipes from a home which caused the structure to instantly explode.
It happened just before 5:30 p.m. in the 70’s block of South Devine where firefighters were called to the scene after they received reports of a fire.
Crews arrived at the scene and reportedly placed a male suspect into custody after they pulled him from the home after witnesses said the man was inside stealing.
The explosion leveled the structure but there were no severe injuries immediately reported. The suspect reportedly lit a cigarette while breaking down the copper pipes and when he inhaled, the house exploded.
The suspect was inside begging for help before firefighters arrived according to residents.
The incident remains under investigation.
DEVELOPING.