Walnut Creek Police Seek Second Suspect in 2014 Drug Lab Explosion

WALNUT CREEK, CA- The Walnut Creek Police Department said Tuesday it is actively looking for a second suspect in the Halloween night 2014 Drug Lab Explosion on Sunnyvale Avenue.

37-year-old William Brown, described by police as a black male now residing in Oakland, is charged with three felonies in the incident. He is wanted by WC police on an active arrest warrant.

Daniel Burgess, a 37-year-old white male living in Danville - and the second suspect - turned himself in and is currently out on his own recognizance due to his medical condition, according to police.

On October 31, 2014, just before 10 p.m., Consolidated Fire Department and the Walnut Creek Police Department responded to a large explosion in the 1500 block of Sunnyvale Avenue. Two critically injured men were located during the evacuation of several townhouse structures. The men were transported via helicopter to the UC Davis Burn Center.

A subsequent investigation by police revealed the two injured subjects lived in the second story unit and were in the process of using Butane to extract marijuana/hash oil, also known as a BHO (Butane Honey Oil) lab. Police say the Butane ignited during the process and the subsequent explosion and fire leveled the building.

One nearby resident had minor injuries as a result of the explosion and the two buildings were left uninhabitable.

The two subjects were not identified at the time, due to lengthy hospital stays (5-8 months) and the inability to interview them due to their injuries.

Police say in November 2015, the investigation was presented to the District Attorney’s office and the DA filed three felony charges on both suspects. Arrest warrants were issued for each with a bail of $700,000.

Anyone with information on Brown’s whereabouts is encouraged to call Walnut Creek PD at (925) 943-5844.