Man Wanted in Marijuana Wax Explosion, Fire Arrested

PORT RICHEY, FL — The search for a man deputies say is responsible for Pasco County’s first marijuana wax explosion ever had ended. Steven Brown, 24, turned himself in to authorities on Monday.

The case against Brown began to unfold Sept. 3 when Pasco County deputies say Brown and several others “blew up his house during the manufacturing attempt of BHO (butane hash oil).” Brown, an email from the sheriff’s office said, “made the decision to grab his drugs and get out of the house.”

In doing so, deputies say Brown left two dogs caged inside the property in the 6200 block of Westport Drive. A 1-year-old child, who managed to escape injury, was also left inside.

On Sept. 9, deputies obtained warrants for Brown’s arrest. That very same day, deputies say Brown fled a traffic stop in a white 2016 Kia Optima EX.

Brown faces such charges as first-degree arson, felonious possession of a firearm, possession of a place for purposes of manufacturing a controlled substance and aggravated cruelty to animals.

No further information is being released at this time.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office