Two men who were seriously injured in last week’s house explosion on Bonnot Place NE have now been formally charged in connection with the blast that destroyed a home and damaged several others.
The Canton Fire Department announced Wednesday that Justin J. Bruce, 41, and Michael L. Mullins, 42, have each been charged with one count of breaking and entering and nine counts of aggravated arson stemming from the July 30 explosion and fire at 1617 Bonnot Place NE.
According to the department, the charges are connected to the explosion that leveled the vacant home and caused extensive damage throughout the surrounding neighborhood.
Bruce and Mullins were previously identified by the Canton Fire Department as the two individuals who suffered severe burn injuries in the explosion. Both remain hospitalized in the Burn Unit at Akron Children’s Hospital.
Investigators previously told JMN News partner News 5 Cleveland that the men were inside the vacant home, which had been listed for sale, despite not having permission to be there.
The explosion occurred shortly after 4 a.m. on July 30, destroying the house and damaging numerous neighboring properties. Three homes were ultimately demolished because of the extent of the damage, while several others sustained significant structural damage.
Officials have not publicly released the specific cause of the explosion, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Additional details regarding the charges and upcoming court proceedings are expected to be released as the case moves forward.
