CHICAGO — The owner of the Dilworth home that exploded and caught fire on May 2 was arrested Friday in Chicago, the sheriff’s office in Cook County, Illinois, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Michael E. Barnette, 41, was charged with being a fugitive from justice out of North Carolina, according to court records.
PAST COVERAGE: Dilworth fire that led to explosion set intentionally, CFD says
The man arrested in Chicago was the same as the owner of 1645 Lombardy Circle in Charlotte, a spokesperson with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office stated.
No one was in the home when the explosion happened on May 2. It was later confirmed the explosion had been intentionally set and caused $445,000 in damage.
A firefighter and neighbor had minor injuries.
Barnette bought he home at 1645 Lombardy Circle in 2012, according to Mecklenburg County property records.
Barnette was in custody in Chicago as of Monday and had no bond, according to court records.
The origin and cause of the explosion is under investigation.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
VIDEO: Dilworth fire that led to explosion set intentionally, CFD says
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