Deputies: Man grabbed drugs, left baby as home burned down

PORT RICHEY, Fla. – Authorities say 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 says Brown was trying to cook butane hash oil inside his home Sept. 3 when the fire started.

Deputies say 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.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

The Associated Press

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.