A 46-year-old man has been arrested after he allegedly tried on two occasions to cause an explosion and fire at his Citrus Heights home.
Anthony Alan Chance (pictured) was arrested Thursday on suspicion of willfully and maliciously attempting to set fire to a structure using a flammable natural gas and making terrorist threats.
On March 4, Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District crews responded to a report of a gas leak in the 6900 block of Amberwick Lane in Citrus Heights. When they arrived, firefighters reported a strong odor of natural gas emanating from the structure. After forcing entry to the residence, they found that a supply line to a natural gas clothes dryer had been manually cut.
Arson investigators alleged that Chance attempted to set fire to his home by cutting the gas line to the dryer, according to a Fire District news release.
Two days later, on March 6, Chance, a plumber by trade, allegedly returned to the home, repaired the gas meter, which had been disabled, and manipulated the gas line to his hot water heater in a second effort to cause an explosion and fire. Fire officials said an alert neighbor reported the leak and fire crews were able to safely handle the situation.
Fire district officials said an arrest warrant was issued for Chance on Wednesday and he was arrested the following day. He is being held in Sacramento County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
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