Gun-Wielding Man Threatens PA Official Before Explosion, Fire
By Becky Metrick
Source pennlive.com
A man threatened a township official with a gun just before explosions and fire broke out at his Philadelphia-area home on Thursday afternoon, according to multiple reports.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that crews were called to a home at the Eaglestream Apartments, 4000 block of Cardin Place. in Lower Providence Township for a large fire and explosions.
Lower Providence Township Police Chief Michael Jackson told media that a code enforcement officer for the township was at the apartments for a “follow-up inspection” just before 1 p.m.
A man at the home confronted the officer with a gun and threatened him, Jackson said. He ran inside when police arrived, and moments later multiple explosions were heard.
The resulting fire spread to two other homes, the Inquirer reported.
WPVI reports police have not said what prompted the follow-up inspection and that Jackson said they are trying to find the person who may or may not be in the home. He has not been identified by police.
Both media outlets reported that one person was injured, and WPVI said the person was transported to a hospital for treatment.
The Inquirer reported a temporary lockdown was ordered during the firefight, as heavily armed SWAT officers and other police arrived on scene. The shelter-in-place order was later lifted, and police said there was no danger to the public.
____
©2021 Advance Local Media LLC.
Visit pennlive.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
