A Pasco County arrest warrant has been issued for 24-year-old Steven Brown of Port Richey for drug-related charges and arson.
Deputies believe Brown is responsible for the fire that burned down his home in the 6900 block of Alta Vista Street in Port Richey Sept. 3.
Brown and other accomplices blew up Brown's house during the manufacturing of butane hash oil, or BHO, according to a Pasco County Sheriff's Office news release. During the ensuing fire, Brown grabbed his drugs and fled the house, leaving behind two caged dogs, who died in the fire.
A 1-year-old child also was in the house at the time, but uninjured, the release states.
On Sept. 9 deputies pulled over Brown at a traffic stop. However, he fled the traffic stop in a white, 4-door 2016 Kia Optima EX with Florida tag number GXSY18.
Brown has 12 active warrants for his arrest, including one count each of possession of a place for purposes of manufacturing a controlled substance, arson in the first degree, felonious possession of a firearm, possession of cocaine, possession of Suboxone, possession of Oxycodone, tampering with physical evidence, manufacture of marijuana, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia and two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
Deputies said Brown should be considered armed and dangerous. They are asking anyone with information about Brown's whereabouts should call 911.
