Handyman arrested on attempted murder charge
A 56-year-old handyman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder and attempted first-degree arson in connection with the natural gas explosion that destroyed a six-unit residential complex and injured nine people on Aug. 14.
Todd Norman Perkins, 56, lived on the property, in a camper, at the time of the explosion and was a handyman at the facility, said Greg Pixley, Denver Fire Department spokesman.
Perkins allegedly disconnected gas lines to a furnace, a stove and a water heater, with the lines open and emitting gas. He then allegedly poured gasoline throughout a basement “to further fuel an explosion,” Pixley said at an afternoon press conference.
During the process, Perkins “inadvertently splashed gasoline over his clothing,” Pixley said.
Perkins had allegedly turned up the furnace to 82 degrees and investigators believe the suspect’s “ignition scenario” was to have the furnace ignite a fiery explosion. When Perkins got to the top of the basement stairs, at 368 Santa Fe Drive, the explosion ignited, Pixley said.
Perkins was blown through the obliterated front wall of the building. He was partially buried in a pile of rubble, Pixley said. He got up and walked to a nearby combination camper and shed where he had lived on the property.
Several witnesses reported seeing him get up from the rubble and walk away.
When firefighters arrived on the scene and encountered Perkins, he smelled of gasoline, Pixley said.
The explosion left a woman trapped in the rubble. She was taken to a local hospital, as was Perkins, who was in critical condition. Others suffered burns and blunt force trauma. Seven of those injured were across the street from the explosion. Debris flew for blocks.
Lakewood police arrested Perkins, who was in custody on Monday, Pixley said.
Perkins had been fired as handyman of the property, Pixley said. Residents complained that he was a “peeping Tom” and was accessing the roof to look through skylights. He was described as “socially challenged” and had threatened to “get even” after being let go.
Firefighters said they found a cellphone, belonging to Perkins, in the rubble. Investigators also found a crescent wrench, which was used to disconnect the gas lines, and a plastic gasoline container in the stairwell rubble.
Perkins has a criminal history. He was arrested in 2010 on charges of felony assault on an at-risk person, assault causing injury and criminal mischief, according to Arapahoe County District Court records.
He was found guilty on all charges and was given a two-year deferred sentence.