4 Burned, 5 Suspected In Pot Plant Explosion
HARRISON TWP. (WWJ) - An investigation is under way after four people were injured in a suspicious explosion over the weekend at a Harrison Township apartment complex.
Macomb County Sheriff's Lt. John Michalke said a young resident at Beechwood Apartments, near Metro Parkway, spoke with authorities at the scene as his four friends fled.
"Our deputies met with an individual in front of the apartment and he was wearing only pants that were tattered and he had extensive burns," Michalke said.
That man, a 19-year-old resident of the complex, told deputies his stove had blown up -- but an investigation revealed that wasn't the case.
Michalke said authorities late learned there were five people in the unit trying to extract the chemical THC out of marijuana plants. He said a propane torch was used, which ignited the gasses, causing the explosion.
Suspects in the case include the 19-year-old resident, his 22-year-old female roommate, and a 22-year-old Clinton Township man -- all of whom were treated for burns. An 18-year-old Harrison Township man was also hurt but refused medical treatment.
A fifth suspect, a 22-year-old man from Harrison Township, was uninjured. Michalke said that young man eventually returned to the scene with his mother to confess.
Fifteen families were displaced due to the fire.
Charges are pending as an investigation continues.
