Police in Cliffside Park NJ recently apprehended the man suspected of having something to do with a Bronx NY drug lab that exploded and killed a firefighter.

The tragic incident occurred at a single-family residence located at 300 West 234th Street in the Bronx, New York. According to authorities, the New York Fire Department dispatched firefighters to the house after receiving a report of an odor of gas emanating from the residence. Shortly after firetrucks arrived at the scene and firefighters knocked on the door to the home, a suspected drug lab inside the residence exploded. The explosion caused significant property damage, as well as numerous physical injuries to people outside the house.

The gas explosion resulted in the death of a battalion chief with the NY Fire Department. The victim was tragically killed when debris flew out of the home and struck him.

The suspect, a 32-year-old male, is believed to have been renting the Bronx NY home that blew up. Just a few moments before the drug lab exploded, the suspect reportedly fled the residence and ran away from the scene.

The suspect was later apprehended at a residence in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. The arresting officers included NYPD detectives and U.S. Marshals. However, the suspect was actually arrested on a warrant for a petty crime that was unrelated to the Bronx NY drug lab. That’s because authorities have not yet been able to directly connect the suspect to the fatal explosion.

An investigation into the fire reportedly revealed that the home was being used as a marijuana-growing facility. As a result, it is possible that the suspect could be charged with marijuana distribution.

It is also possible that the suspect will face more serious criminal charges for manslaughter in connection with the death of the NY firefighter.

To learn more about this case, check out the NJ.com article, “Man Reportedly Arrested in N.J. in Connection with Fatal Drug Lab Blast.”