ESSEX, Md. -- Police have arrested and charged the homeowner for his alleged involvement in a house explosion that trapped two firefighters inside.
In a written statement released Tuesday, Baltimore County police announced the arrest of Cecil W. Himes Jr., 38, of Essex. Police charged Himes with seven counts of reckless endangerment for the explosion that occurred on Nov. 2.
Firefighters and rescue crews responded to 500 block of Chalcot Square just after 5 p.m. on Nov. 2 for a gas leak coming from the house. Two firefighters entered the house when they learned that Himes was in the basement. Moments later, the house exploded, trapping all three inside.
After almost an hour, crews rescued them and transported the firemen to Shock Trauma and Himes to the Bayview Hospital Burn Unit.
A later investigation revealed that the gas leak was done intentionally, police said. On Nov. 3, the 11 News I-Team uncovered court documents that show a history of suicide attempts and abuse threats. To read more about the 11 News I-Team investigation, click here.
Himes surrendered to fire investigators on Tuesday and is being held on $100,000 bond at the Baltimore County police precinct in White Marsh.
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