Crime
Anroop Parasram Sets Himself on Fire, Triggering Massive Blast That Injures NYPD Officers and Residents in Queens
QUEENS, N.Y. — A violent early-morning incident in South Ozone Park escalated into a devastating explosion and multi-alarm fire after a man allegedly set himself on fire inside a residential home, injuring more than a dozen people, including several police officers and a firefighter.
According to the New York Police Department, officers responded around 2:42 a.m. Thursday to a reported domestic dispute involving a knife at a home on 130th Street.
As officers approached the residence, a powerful explosion erupted, knocking multiple officers off their feet and igniting a rapidly spreading fire.
Authorities identified the suspect as Anroop Parasram, who was allegedly intoxicated and armed with a knife at the time of the incident.
Investigators say Parasram forced his way into a basement apartment where family members, including his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, were present.
Family members who called 911 reported a strong gas odor in the home and said the suspect had threatened them with a weapon.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows Parasram entering the residence carrying bags containing canisters of an unknown substance.
Law enforcement sources indicate that he allegedly poured an accelerant inside the apartment before setting himself and the area on fire, triggering the explosion.
The blast caused a massive five-alarm fire that engulfed the two-and-a-half-story home and spread to a neighboring structure.
The building ultimately collapsed due to the intensity of the flames, according to the Fire Department of the City of New York.
Despite the danger, officers entered the burning structure in an effort to rescue potential occupants.
Eight NYPD officers sustained injuries, including burns and head lacerations, and were transported to local hospitals in stable condition.
A firefighter and at least four additional civilians were also injured.
Officials confirmed that approximately 16 people were displaced as a result of the fire.
As of now, Parasram remains unaccounted for, and authorities have not confirmed his condition. No arrests have been made.
The cause of the explosion and fire remains under active investigation as officials work to determine the exact sequence of events and the substances involved.
Authorities are expected to release additional details as the investigation progresses.
Crime
5 dead including 3 children in Silver Rail Elementary shooting in Bend, teenage shooter killed by a Good Samaritan
BEND, Ore. — Five people were reportedly killed in a shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in southeast Bend, Oregon, on Thursday, October 15, 2026, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, according to preliminary information attributed to federal law enforcement.
The reported shooting prompted a major emergency response involving police, fire crews, and emergency medical services.
Authorities issued an alert at approximately 1:17 p.m., warning of a large police presence at the elementary school and urging the public to avoid the area.
According to the information provided, four victims were killed at the school. Three of those victims were children, while the fourth was an adult. The suspected gunman, described in preliminary reports as a teenager, was also reported dead, bringing the reported total to five fatalities.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identities of the victims and the suspect, had not been fully established in the information available.
Preliminary reports indicated that the suspected gunman was a teenager and was killed after being confronted by a Good Samaritan.
Earlier scanner traffic reportedly indicated that the suspect had been neutralized. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the individual who intervened may have been a father of a student at the school.
However, authorities had not publicly confirmed all the circumstances surrounding the confrontation or independently verified the reported identity and role of the person who intervened.
Investigators are expected to examine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, how the suspect was stopped, and whether the suspect acted alone.
The first police alert was issued at approximately 1:17 p.m. Thursday. It described a large police presence at Silver Rail Elementary School and instructed the public to stay away from the area.
Fire and emergency medical services personnel were seen responding near the school as authorities worked to address the reported threat and assist those affected.
The shooting prompted urgent concern among families and the surrounding community, particularly after reports indicated that children were among the victims.
Approximately 10 minutes after the initial alert, police announced a reunification site for students and their families at Journey Church, located at 61303 S. Highway 97 in Bend, near Goodwill and Dairy Queen.
Parents and guardians were instructed to go to the designated location to reunite with students and receive further information.
Authorities urged families to follow official instructions and avoid approaching the school while emergency operations continued.
The reported shooting also prompted precautionary security measures at nearby schools. Parents received alerts indicating that Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary School had been placed on lockdown Thursday afternoon.
The lockdowns were reported as law enforcement responded to Silver Rail Elementary and worked to secure the surrounding area.
Further information was needed to establish how long the lockdowns remained in effect and when normal school operations resumed.
Although preliminary information indicated five deaths, including three children, one adult victim, and the teenage suspect, additional official confirmation is needed regarding the victims’ identities, the suspect’s identity, and the circumstances of the shooting.
The reported involvement of a Good Samaritan also requires confirmation from investigators.
This remains a developing story. Further details should be added as law enforcement and school officials release verified information about the shooting and the investigation.