An investigation was underway in Anaheim Thursday to determine if an explosion and fire at a business in a strip mall were caused by an illicit drug lab, and police searched for a possible suspect seen running from the location with "extensive burns."
Firefighters and police responded about 9:55 p.m. Wednesday to reports of an explosion at 410 S. Euclid St. and discovered a small fire on the outside of the building, which was quickly extinguished, according to Anaheim Fire and Rescue.
Numerous cans of butane were found at the rear of one of the businesses and it appeared someone was trying to extract honey oil, AFR Capt. Mark Dunn said. Honey oil is usually consumed by smoking, vaporizing or eating and may be sold in cartridges used with pen vaporizers.
"We have not determined the occupancy or type of business of the unit in question," Anaheim Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt said.
A witness told a news photographer at the scene that he saw a man in his 30s with extensive burns to his face, arms and legs running away from the location. The witness, who owns a business in the strip mall, said his place rocked when the explosion occurred and he thought another earthquake had struck.
Anyone who sees a person in this condition was asked to call Anaheim police immediately.
