1 in custody after minivan explodes at gas station

Police believe Onelio Castro was siphoning gas from Marathon gas station

MIAMI – One person is in police custody after a minivan exploded Friday at a gas station in Miami.

Firefighters doused the flames at the Marathon gas station on the corner of Flagler Street and Southwest 71st Avenue.

A viewer who works across the street from the gas station sent pictures to Local 10 News. 

The pictures show a minivan burning near the gas pumps.

Alfred Gonzalez, who works across the street at Miami Modern Dental, told Local 10 he saw police chasing someone who was running away after the initial blast, which he described as being "very loud."

Miami Fire Rescue said it appears the suspect, identified as 46-year-old Onelio Castro, was trying to siphon gas when the blast occurred. It is unclear if he was in the process of siphoning gas when the explosion occurred or if he already had gas in the tanks in his minivan.

Police said they found Castro hiding in someone's backyard a couple of blocks away from the gas station. After a brief standoff with Miami-Dade County's special response team, Castro was cuffed.

Police said Castro suffered burns to his legs and lower abdomen. He was taken to the hospital after his arrest. 

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About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.