WARREN (WWJ) As officials in Warren work to determine the cause of an devastating explosion at a condo over the weekend, reports suggest that it may have been intentional.
The blast Sunday night on Villa Pointe Drive, near Schoenherr and 11 Mile roads, was caught on a resident's Ring doorbell video provided to WWJ Newsradio 950 by Warren Mayor Jim Fouts:
WWJ’s Charlie Langton reports that a man who was found dead in the basement of the condo that exploded has been described as a loner, who was recently released from prison, and had told neighbors he wanted to die.
Records show Mattheu Prizgint, 58, was on parole for aggravated stalking and fleeing a police officer. He was just released from prison on July 1.
Several neighbors, as well as city officials, have now speculated that the man may have deliberately caused the blast.
Fire officials in Warren confirm there were no issues with the gas lines or gas meters in the condo complex.
Officials earlier said the explosion caused more than $1 million worth of damages to at least 15 homes and condos.
Mayor Fouts said the destruction is in fact worse than initially thought. At least 6 of those homes are a total loss.
"Probably more likely 10 homes," Fouts told WWJ's Sandra McNeill. "And the cost for this has gone up. It appears it's going to be at least $2 (millions) to $3 million dollars how because there's so much damage to the homes and damage to vehicles. There's probably 5 vehicles that are completely destroyed."
Fouts said the Salvation Army and city officials are working to find housing for those who have been left homeless, including an elderly woman who escaped with only her Bible.
Fouts said there is going to be a GoFundMe set up to collect money for those affected. For the time being, anyone who wants to make a donation can contact the mayor's office.
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