The man who rented the home where FDNY battalion chief Michael Fahy died Tuesday morning has been arrested.
The Regional Fugitive Task Force, comprised of NYPD detectives and U.S. Marshals, arrested Julio Salcedo in Cliffside Park, NJ, according to the New York Post.
Officials told the newspaper that Salcedo had a marijuana-growing operation in the West 234th Street home he was renting.
During an earlier press conference, NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said his detectives had been investigating tips of a drug growing operation at the home.
Fire crews were called to a gas leak at West 234th Street and Tibbett Avenue in Kingsbridge around 6:20 a.m.
When they found the drug operation, they called for police, police and fire officials said.
Around 7:30 a.m., the home exploded while emergency workers were both inside and outside the structure. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
“It was a big explosion, big explosion,” Jay Soto told The New York Post. “Everyone came out and asked, ‘What was that?’ I could see that it was serious. There are many ambulances and fire trucks. I saw black smoke.”
Fahy, who was struck by a section of the roof during the explosion, was rushed to New York Presbyterian/Allen Hospital where he died.
He was a 17-year veteran of the department, leaves behind a wife and three children, ages 6, 8 and 11.
FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro called Fahy, who was assigned to Battalion 19, "a rising star" in the department.
"He was doing what fire officers do this morning...he was directing operations," Nigro said.
"Our hearts go out to the Fahy family. A family so devoted to this city," de Blasio said. "Michael's father, a fire chief before him...a family that has given to much and today made the ultimate sacrifice to this city."
"The explosion put everyone in danger," de Blasio said. "Our firefighters, our police officers, Con Ed workers and residents of the community."
Twelve others were injured, including six police officers, nearby residents and utility workers. They suffered minor injuries.
"I want to thank everyone here at Allen Pavilion for all they did to try and save him and to try and comfort the family," de Blasio said.
"It's a sad day, it's a sad day," Nigro said. "We lost a hero today and our members are all saddened."
