The Michigan company owner whose home exploded in March, killing a 19-year-old and injuring a firefighter, was charged Thursday with manslaughter after authorities were alerted that he was attempting to leave the country with a one-way ticket. Hong Kong.
The Clinton Township Police Department said in a press conference Friday morning that Noor was arrested after a fatal explosion occurred at Goo Smoke Shop/Select Distributors, an e-cigarette and tobacco sales company, on March 4. Noel Kesteau, 31, announced that he had attempted to flee the United States.
Authorities said Kestow illegally possessed and improperly stored cans of nitrous oxide and butane.
“They shouldn’t have put this there,” said Clinton Police Chief Tim Duncan. “It was prohibited in this area.”
Massive industrial fire in Michigan causes hundreds of explosions, flying debris and deaths 1
Noor Noel Kestou, 31, was charged with manslaughter in connection with the explosion that killed the 19-year-old. (Macomb District Attorney)
Firefighters battle a factory fire in Clinton Township, a Detroit suburb, late Monday, March 4, 2024. (WXYZ via AP)
At the time of the explosion, illegal substances rained down on civilians within a one-mile radius.
“Some businesses reported 30 holes in their ceilings from falling rockets,” said Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon.
One of the containers killed 19-year-old Turner Lee Salter, who was 400 meters from the building.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said manslaughter is the highest charge that can be given at this point in the investigation. (Clinton Township, via YouTube)
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said manslaughter is the highest charge he can present based on the current evidence, but the ongoing investigation could reveal future charges.
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Kestow’s bail was set at $500,000 in cash only, with other conditions being that upon his release he must wear a GPS tether, surrender his passport and all weapons, and not travel outside the state. It was attached.
Lucido said he did not know what Kestou’s “ultimate goal” was to leave the United States.
“We don’t know what his ultimate goal was to take his wife and children and stay out of the country, but we do know that he is in custody. We suspect that he may have bonded last night. ” Lucido said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation
Chief Duncan said the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion is still under investigation.
He noted that the intensity of the explosion meant it was proving difficult for authorities to immediately determine the immediate cause.
Township Fire Chief Tim Duncan said authorities are still investigating the fire and explosion. (Clinton Township, via YouTube)
“While the details of the fire are still unknown at this stage, we cannot rule out human involvement in this fire at this time,” Duncan said. “They want to investigate further and have received further information from some witnesses, some of which is still coming to light.
“Our hope is that in the future, when they actually get on scene and start removing everything, based on the information we have, we’ll keep the southwest corner of the building where we believe the fire started.” “I’ve seen it before.” “
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FOX News has reached out to Kestow’s attorney for comment.
