Police: 2nd suspect in custody in explosion that killed FDNY chief

Neighbors of the Kingsbridge home that exploded Tuesday are still dealing with the aftermath as federal and local authorities continue to investigate the cause. The blast killed an FDNY battalion chief

News 12 Staff

Sep 29, 2016, 4:48 AM

Updated 2,765 days ago

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Police: 2nd suspect in custody in explosion that killed FDNY chief
Neighbors of the Kingsbridge home that exploded Tuesday are still dealing with the aftermath as federal and local authorities continue to investigate the cause.
The blast killed an FDNY battalion chief and injured 20 other people.
Chief Michael Fahy, a father of three, died after flying debris struck him in the head. The 17-year veteran was responding to a report of a gas leak at 300 West 234th St. near the corner of Tibbett Avenue in Kingsbridge around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Police say they have two men in custody. The first, Julio Salcedo-Contrer, was arrested in his hometown of Cliffside Park, New Jersey. He is awaiting extradition back to New York. Officials say he rented the apartment and is suspected of using it is a marijuana grow house.
A Manhattan man, 32-year-old Garivaldi Castillo, was taken into custody in New York City. He is facing charges of criminal possession of marijuana and police say additional charges may be pending, based on what other evidence they find.
The Bronx District Attorney's Office says Castillo will likely be arraigned Thursday.
Federal officials from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms are aiding state officials with the investigation. Hazmat teams and Con Edison workers were also at the scene. All nine remaining homes on the block have been left without gas and hot water. Utilities may not be restored until Saturday, according to workers.
Officials say it is unclear whether a marijuana grow operation played a direct role in the explosion of the home, but they are not ruling it out.
A remembrance ceremony was held for Fahy at his former firehouse Wednesday. His wake is scheduled in Yonkers for Thursday and Friday, with a Saturday morning funeral to follow.


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