Clinton Township, Michigan – Noor Kestou, 33, from Commerce Township, faced charges related to a deadly explosion that occurred last month. Authorities revealed that Kestou was apprehended at John F. Kennedy International Airport while reportedly attempting to flee the country before his arrest on Saturday.
Before his arrest, Kestou was allegedly making preparations to board a one-way flight to China. This escape attempt raised suspicions, as officials had received information about his potential travel plans several days prior.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido expressed uncertainties about Kestou’s intentions, questioning whether his departure was motivated by evading legal consequences or other reasons. Kestou, the owner of the building where the explosion took place, was arrested and brought back to Michigan for arraignment on charges of involuntary manslaughter.
The explosion on March 4, at a building housing around 100,000 vape pens and butane canisters, resulted in a tragic loss of life. The blast sent pens and canisters flying, some projectiles reaching distances of nearly two miles away from the site of the explosion.
Tragically, a 19-year-old individual lost his life in the incident after being struck by a projectile a quarter of a mile away. Lucido emphasized that Kestou was a primary suspect due to his ownership of the business and the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Despite posting a bail bond of $500,000, Kestou is under strict conditions, including wearing a GPS tether and surrendering his passport to authorities. He is expected to appear in court for a probable cause hearing on May 7 to address the charges brought against him in connection to the fatal explosion.