Pullman, Wash. — A local man is facing serious charges after allegedly igniting fireworks inside his apartment, resulting in an explosion that forced dozens of residents to evacuate. Elijah Reagan was arrested over the weekend and is now being held on multiple charges, including arson and attempting to flee from law enforcement.
Reagan, who appeared before a judge for the first time on Tuesday, was taken into custody following an incident that left his military hill apartment severely damaged. Investigators found alarming evidence, including a T-handle type explosive detonator typically associated with TNT and a mortar tube, suggesting an intentional act that could have endangered lives.
According to court documents, the explosion occurred when Reagan fired a mortar inside his unit, creating a significant hole in the ceiling and igniting a fire. This dangerous situation prompted emergency personnel to evacuate approximately 30 individuals from the building, a move that may have prevented serious injuries or worse.
Whitman County Prosecutor Dan LeBeau expressed concern over the incident, noting the fortunate absence of injuries. “It’s sheer luck that no one else was harmed in this explosion,” he remarked during Reagan’s initial court appearance.
After the explosion, Reagan allegedly confessed to his estranged wife that he had “bombed” the apartment and warned her to leave town due to threats from unspecified “bad people.” His wife reported that Reagan exhibits paranoia linked to methamphetamine use, raising questions about his mental state leading up to the incident.
Reagan’s troubles escalated further when he led police on a high-speed chase that concluded just north of Lewiston. Authorities reported that he was found armed with a rifle at the end of the pursuit. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with Reagan apparently exhibiting erratic behavior as he smoked cigarettes, drank beer, and allegedly used methamphetamine while being detained.
As of Tuesday, Reagan remains in custody at Whitman County Jail, with bond set at $250,000. He is scheduled to return to court on Friday to enter a plea, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident and the potential implications for safety in the area.