Story from www.MetroNews.com and photo from WTAP.com
PALESTINE, W.Va. — An investigator with the State Fire Marshal’s office said it’s unclear if a man who was barricaded in a home in Wirt County this week intentionally set off an explosion which claimed his life.
Law enforcement from numerous local, state, and federal agencies gathered near the home of Mitchell Lockhart, 40, of Palestine this week following a domestic dispute.
“There had been terroristic threats made toward law enforcement on social media and by voice,” said Deputy State Fire Marshall Jason Baltic. “From what I understand there was a threat made that he was going to set the house on fire and shoot anybody who came to the scene.”
The Wirt County Sheriff’s Department after dealing with Lockhart for an extended period of time contacted the State Police Special Response Team and other law enforcement to assist when communications broke off. They were preparing to serve warrants and take Lockhart into custody by force when the explosion and fire happened.
Baltic said although there were reported improvised explosive devices in the home, it’s unclear if the suspect set them off deliberately.
“We do not know at this point. The only thing we have is information from a witness that there was an explosion and then fire,” he said on MetroNews Talkline.
Baltic said the explosion wasn’t all encompassing, but the fire rapidly consumed the home and apparently claimed Lockhart’s life.
“We found what we believe is Mr. Lockhart’s remains in the fire. We’re still awaiting positive identification at this point,” he said.
The remains were sent to the state Medical Examiner’s office.
