A Pasco County man is on the run after being accused of starting a house fire following a kitchen explosion from the marijuana wax he was concocting.
After the flames broke out, deputies say he also left his two dogs for dead.
- Authorities are searching for Steven Brown, 24, of Port Richey
- They say he burned down his house making marijuana wax, and left two dogs for dead
- He was last seen fleeing from a traffic stop on Sept. 9
The sheriff’s office has been searching for Steven Brown, 24, since the Sept. 3 incident in Port Richey. The agency considers him armed and dangerous.
"It was loud. I’m talking about like somebody just dropped a bomb," neighbor Cynthia Bryant said of the explosion.
According to authorities, as soon as the fire began, Brown grabbed his drugs and ran – leaving two caged dogs and a 1-year-old in the house. Other adults who were at the property rescued the child, but the dogs died in the flames.
Investigators say Brown was manufacturing a drug called marijuana wax or butane hash oil.
"It is very dangerous because like a lot of organic solvents it’s very flammable, and using propane or butane, it’s also explosive," said Alfred Aleguas with the Florida Poison Information Center.
Aleguas says propane from a grill or butane from a lighter is used to extract the THC, if there's a spark it could lead to an explosion.
On Sept. 9, multiple warrants were issued for Brown, and deputies were able to make contact during a traffic stop. They said he fled, though, adding to his long list of active warrants.
He was last seen driving a white 2016 Kia Optima EX, with four doors, and a Florida license plate of GXSY18.
A few of his charges include arson in the first degree, felonious possession of a firearm and aggravated cruelty to animals.
Authorities said if you see Brown – don’t make contact. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Officials said other charges could be pending. The PCSO had no comment regarding any other individuals who may be charged in the case.