'Hobby chemist' burned in overnight explosion in Longmont
Longmont police are investigating an explosion after a man describing himself as a "hobby chemist" mixed unknown chemicals in an apartment bathroom.
Cmdr. Joel Post said officers were dispatched at 12:19 a.m. Thursday to Longmont United Hospital, where a 54-year-old man was being treated for chemical burns.
Post said officers learned the man was injured in an explosion that occurred about 35 minutes earlier in an apartment in the 1600 block of 16th Avenue.
Three men were in the apartment, two of whom were drinking, including the 54-year-old man who described himself as a "hobby chemist." The man went into a bathroom and mixed unknown chemicals, resulting in the explosion.
"There is no indication this was a narcotics related event, nor is there deemed to be any danger to the public," Post said.
The 54-year-old has not being identified. A 24-year-old man and a 63-year-old man also at the apartment did not sustain any injuries, Post said.
Post said the apartment's smoke alarms activated, but there was minimal damage to the bathroom and the apartment can remain occupied.
He said police and firefighters determined the air quality was safe. No other apartments were damaged, and no one was evacuated.
Two detectives, one who is a Boulder County Bomb Squad member, searched the apartment for evidence related to the explosion.
The investigation is ongoing, though there have been no arrests.
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"As the investigation continues, applicable charges may be filed," Post said.
Amelia Arvesen: 303-684-5212, arvesena@times-call.com or twitter.com/ameliaarvesen
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