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Police make arrest in fatal NY explosion that killed battalion chief

Julio Salcedo reportedly fled his home just before the explosion

By FireRescue1 Staff

NEW YORK — Police arrested the man whose apartment exploded Tuesday, killing an FDNY battalion chief and injuring several others.

Julio Salcedo, 32, was arrested in New Jersey, reported ABC News.

He had been renting the two-story home that exploded after firefighters responded to a call regarding gas. When crews arrived at his home, Salcedo reportedly exited the house and fled before the explosion. The explosion killed 17-year veteran FDNY Battalion Chief Michael Fahy.

After the explosion, officials discovered remnants of a marijuana-growing operation.

Salcedo has been arrested at least five times, on charges of strangulation, unlawful imprisonment and grand larceny.

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and NYPD are investigating the incident to determine if the explosion was connected to the suspected marijuana growing operation.

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