The two people inside an East Cleveland home when it exploded Sunday afternoon were part of an illegal scrapping operation, police say.
In a press conference Tuesday, Commander Scott Gardner told reporters the man and woman were attempting to strip metal off the vacated home on the 1000 block of E 125th St. During the process, so much natural gas built up inside the home that it blew up, killing a still unidentified woman and critically injuring 51-year-old Craig Martin Kelly. The latter has a history of breaking and entering, Channel 3 has learned.
Authorities believe at least two other people were involved in the operation, with the alleged driver of one of a van going to the scrap yard currently in custody. Another suspect, 50-year-old Christopher Glenn, was seen at the home is currently missing. Officials say they are currently concerned for his well-being.
Five additional homes were left uninhabitable by the blast, and another is still being evaluated. Organizations like the Red Cross have offered help to those who have been displaced.
An investigation is ongoing, with a $5,000 reward being offered by the state fire marshal. Police have also been in contact with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office regarding potential criminal charges.
