Mass. man whose dog died in fireworks explosion to face charges

A Dartmouth man is facing charges after a dog was killed in a house explosion and fire believed to be caused by fireworks.

Kevin Ruiz, 54, of Dartmouth, will be charged with possession of component parts capable of creating a destructive or incendiary device, possession of explosives, three counts of wanton destruction of property over $1,200, and disturbing the peace, according to Dartmouth Police Chief Brian P. Levesque.

The explosion happened on Sept. 2 just before 1 a.m. at 20 Sagamore Drive. Dartmouth police and fire received multiple 911 calls reporting the incident. When crews arrived, they saw heavy fire conditions and explosions coming from the home’s garage, according to officials.

The home’s occupants had evacuated before first responders arrived. One resident who suffered burns was transported to a Rhode Island hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Officials said three dogs were inside the home at the time of the explosion, and one was declared dead at the scene. There was no word on the condition of the surviving dogs. 

The State Police Bomb Squad, along with the Dartmouth Police Department, Dartmouth Fire District 1, and the State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, worked together to investigate what caused the blast.

Early findings suggest that fireworks and related materials stored in the garage were set off, triggering the explosions, according to investigators. Due to the severe damage, officials could not pinpoint the exact cause, but they believe the incident was accidental.

Following the investigation, Dartmouth police sought a criminal complaint charging Ruiz in connection with the discovery of fireworks that contributed to the explosion and fire. The criminal complaint was issued in New Bedford District Court on Sept. 18. Ruiz is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 6.

Morgan Rousseau is a freelance writer for Boston.com, where she reports on a variety of local and regional news.