The following is a press release from Lubbock Police:
A $7,000 Crime Line reward is now being offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect or suspects involved in the North Vinton home explosion.
On January 28th, Lubbock Police officers and Lubbock Fire Rescue crews responded to a home explosion in the 1200 block of North Vinton Avenue. Through the course of the investigation, it was discovered the newly constructed home had been burglarized and a gas stove was stolen. As a result, an explosion occurred due to the open gas line.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the explosion. However, it did cause major damage to the new home and damaged other nearby structures. This case remains under investigation by the Lubbock Police Department and Lubbock Fire Rescue.
This is just one of many burglary cases occurring at home construction sites. Over the last several months, dozens of burglaries have been reported for homes in the early to final stages of construction. The suspects are targeting high-dollar, newly installed items such as appliances and other fixtures.
Due to the large number of cases, the West Texas Home Builders Association has donated an additional $6,000 to the Crime Line reward, bringing the total to $7,000.
Anyone with information on the North Vinton burglary, or any other home construction site burglaries, is asked to call Crime Line at (806)741-1000. Callers can remain anonymous.
(Press release from Lubbock Police)
