COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)–Columbus Division of Fire Investigators say a house explosion in south Columbus last month was the result of criminal activity.

The house, at 870 Stockbridge Road, was vacant. The owner had just closed on the house and had not moved in yet.

The fire department said Lucas Talbot, 31, of Columbus, admitted to removing the copper plumbing and other recyclable metals from the house. Investigators believe that in the process, Talbot’s actions caused a gas leak in the basement. When the natural gas came into contact with a source of ignition from the furnace, the result was the explosion that destroyed the house.

The Franklin County Grand Jury found there was probable cause to indict Talbot on charges of aggravated arson (F1), and breaking and entering (F5) on Wednesday, April 20.What others are clicking on: