Man faces six criminal charges after South Dartmouth house fire
Ring camera footage of the explosion. Source: neighbor’s ring camera.
The damage the explosions caused to the garage. Photo by Leighah Beausoleil
Ring camera footage of the explosion. Source: neighbor’s ring camera.
The damage the explosions caused to the garage. Photo by Leighah Beausoleil
Dartmouth resident Kevin Ruiz, 54, has been charged with six criminal charges after police determined that an early morning house explosion on Tuesday, Sept. 2 was caused by fireworks and other incendiary substances.
He is being charged with possession of component parts capable of creating a destructive/incendiary device, possession of explosives, three counts of wanton destruction of property over $1,200 and disturbing the peace.
Around 12:57 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, Dartmouth Police and Dartmouth Fire District 1 received multiple 911 calls about an apparent explosion at a home at 20 Sagamore Drive.
Police initially didn’t state what caused the fire, but neighbors and those who saw the explosion footage online theorized it was fireworks.
A preliminary investigation into the cause of the explosion indicates that the explosions were caused by the ignition of fireworks and related substances inside the garage, and are believed to be accidental.
This investigation was conducted by the Dartmouth Police Department, Dartmouth Fire District 1 and the Massachusetts State Police.
A criminal complaint was issued on Thursday, Sept. 18 in the New Bedford District Court since it was determined that fireworks contributed to the explosion and fire.
Ruiz is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, Oct. 6 in the New Bedford District Court.
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