Marijuana Wax Explosion: Search On For 'Armed and Dangerous' Suspect

PORT RICHEY, FL — The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is looking for help finding a man its deputies say is responsible for causing a marijuana wax explosion. The subsequent fire resulted in the death of two caged dogs, deputies say.

According to the agency, the case against Steven Brown, 24, began to unfold on Sept. 3 when deputies say Brown and several accomplices “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. The vehicle is a four-door model with Florida tag number GXSY18 on it.

At present, there are 12 active warrants for Brown’s arrest. They include possession of a place for purposes of manufacturing a controlled substance, first-degree arson, felonious possession of a firearm, aggravated cruelty to animals and numerous drug charges.

Brown, the email said, “should be considered armed and dangerous.”

Anyone who knows Brown’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.

The sheriff’s office said the marijuana wax explosion was a first in Pasco County.

Photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office