PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Authorities said a Florida man grabbed his drugs but left behind an infant and two caged dogs after accidentally causing a drug-related explosion that burned his house down.
News outlets report 24-year-old Steven Brown of Port Richey turned himself in to Pasco County investigators Monday. He faces arson, drug and aggravated cruelty to animal charges.
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Kevin Doll said Brown was trying to cook butane hash oil inside his home Sept. 3 when the fire started.
Deputies said Brown took his drugs and fled the residence, leaving behind a 1-year-old child and two dogs. The child wasn’t hurt, but the dogs died.
Authorities had been searching for Brown, who they say fled from a traffic stop Sept. 9.
Jail records don’t indicate whether he has an attorney.
