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 that the explosion had been intentionally set and caused $445,000 in damage.
A firefighter and neighbor had minor injuries.
Barnette bought his home at 1645 Lombardy Circle in 2012, according to Mecklenburg County property records.
Channel 9’s Almiya White spoke with one of his neighbors, who said the explosion knocked their home off its foundation.
Lawson Caldwell explained that the damage was something he’s still trying to imagine.
“It’s like in a movie that the blast came in and then was sucked back out and pulled the window frame out from the other side, and so there was fire and a lot of heat,” said Caldwell. “We’re hoping to restore the house. It’s 98 years old.”
Caldwell went on to say the entire incident was quite a surprise, especially since he’s been neighbors with Barnette for 12 years and even attended Christmas parties together.
“A few years ago, he became a little more reclusive,” said Caldwell.
Barnette was in custody in Chicago as of Monday and had no bond, according to court records.
The origin and cause of the explosion are 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
