Published on December 05, 2023
UPDATED (December 5 at 6:25 p.m.) – The Arlington County Police Department, in cooperation with the Northern Virginia Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), the Arlington County Fire Department and our federal law enforcement partners continue to investigate a home explosion in the 800 block of N. Burlington Street which occurred on the evening of December 4, 2023.
Based on the preliminary investigation of the incident, we believe the resident of the home, James Yoo, 56, of Arlington, VA is the involved suspect. The suspect was inside the residence at the time of the explosion. Human remains have been located at the scene which are presumed to be the suspect. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will work to positively identify the individual and determine cause and manner of death. Our investigation has now transferred into a recovery operation as we work to collect and process evidence. There is no ongoing threat to the community related to this incident and no outstanding suspects.
WATCH: Press briefing on home explosion
“I would like to thank the Arlington Community for their support during this time and patience as we complete what will be an extensive and time-consuming investigation,” said Chief Andy Penn. “I also want to express how proud I am of the members of the police department and our public safety partners for their courageous and professional actions to ensure the safety of our community.”
This remains an active and ongoing criminal investigation. Anyone with digital media from this area, including but not limited to videos and photos, please use this link to securely share them with investigators.
(The below initial press release was issued at 12:58 a.m. on December 5)
ARLINGTON, Va. – At approximately 4:45 p.m. on December 4, the Arlington County Police Department was dispatched to the 800 block of N. Burlington Street for the report of possible shots heard. The preliminary investigation indicated a suspect discharged a flare gun approximately 30 – 40 times from inside his residence into the surrounding neighborhood. No property damage or injuries were reported related to the discharge of the flare gun.
During the course of the investigation, officers obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence and attempted to make contact with the suspect over the telephone and through loudspeakers. The suspect did not respond and remained barricaded inside the residence. As officers were attempting to execute the search warrant, the suspect discharged several rounds, from what is believed to be a firearm, inside the home. Subsequently, at approximately 8:25 p.m., an explosion occurred at the residence. The investigation into the circumstances of the explosion are ongoing.
The Arlington County Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire. As of approximately 10:30 p.m., the fire is under control and crews continue to battle small spot fires.
Three officers reported minor injuries and there were no transports to the hospital related to this incident. The investigation is ongoing.
