Handyman's Revenge Arson Blamed For Denver Explosion: Fire Dept.

DENVER, CO – A handyman who lived on the property and had just been fired from his job was arrested in connection with the August, 2018 explosion in Denver that injured nine people and blew up a seven-unit building.

Todd Norman Perkins, 56, was arrested in Lakewood Monday and faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, Denver Fire Department Capt. Greg Pixley said in a press conference.

On Aug. 14, 2018, around 1 p.m. the multi-unit brick building near 4th Ave. and Santa Fe Drive was ripped by two explosions that were felt blocks away. The explosion threw bricks and debris into the street in front and back of the building and injured people inside and outside. The explosions damaged several cars and a building across the street.

Nine people were injured in the explosion, including Perkins, who was hospitalized for several weeks. Some residents were uncovered after being buried under the rubble.

Pixley said investigators found gas lines forced open and that gasoline cans had been poured out near the fire. When investigators came to the building, they could still smell natural gas, Pixley said.

Pixley characterized the explosion as an act of a “great deal of premeditation” that may have resulted from Perkins being fired by the landlord and his antagonistic relationship with tenants. Perkins lived in a trailer on the property, Pixley said.

The investigation took six months and help was provided by agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pixley said.

No further details were immediately available, although the Fire Department said the Denver police would release Perkins's arrest affidavit on Tuesday.

Pixley said K9 dogs found evidence of gasoline on Perkins's clothing in the hospital.

“This event could have involved a tremendous amount of life and we are glad it did not,” Pixley said.

Related: 9 Injured In Denver Natural Gas Explosion: Building Destroyed

Images via Denver Fire Dept.

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