What began as a standard eviction response in Oklahoma City quickly escalated into a dangerous confrontation, authorities said, after a 61-year-old man allegedly used a homemade flamethrower against deputies while a wired car-battery device was discovered inside the apartment.
Newly released body-camera footage from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office shows deputies pushing into the dim, crowded apartment on Aug. 11 after the tenant, identified by officials as Darron Dunn, allegedly blocked the entrance and refused to allow them inside.
Deputies had gone to the residence shortly before noon to carry out an eviction order. Although Housing Authority personnel unlocked the door, it would not open fully. Investigators said cables had been attached to the door, and an electric wheelchair had been placed behind it as an obstruction.
Oklahoma County sheriff’s deputies work to enter an Oklahoma City apartment while carrying out an eviction order. (Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office)
After forcing their way in, a deputy saw Dunn seated in a bedroom, according to the incident report. Officials said Dunn then pointed an aerosol can toward the deputy and a Housing Authority security officer before allegedly igniting the spray.
The bodycam footage captures a sudden orange flare bursting through the doorway as flames erupt inside the apartment.
“Back up!” one officer shouted as deputies moved away from the flames.
Authorities say flames shot out inside the apartment during the eviction response. (Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities said the deputy felt the “extreme heat” from the flames. The sheriff’s office said the fire traveled about 15 feet in the deputy’s direction.
But the flames were only the start.
As deputies backed out, officers spotted a car battery with wires attached near Dunn, and another wired device near the front door. The video captured the growing alarm inside the apartment.
“He’s got it hooked up to the battery!” one officer shouted.
“Everybody out! Improvised device! Get out!” another could be heard yelling.
Oklahoma County sheriff’s deputies stand inside the apartment while serving an eviction order on Aug. 11, 2026. (Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office)
According to the incident report, the device consisted of rows of butane lighter-fluid and carburetor-cleaner aerosol cans taped together with bare wires attached.
Deputies evacuated residents from the third floor and nearby levels while the sheriff’s tactical team and bomb squad responded.
Officers later disabled the wires connected to the cans and safely removed Dunn from the apartment in his wheelchair, authorities said.
A spokesperson for the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office told News Outlet that bomb technicians determined the wired aerosol-can device was unlikely to explode as configured. The spokesperson said it could have sparked or heated up if the bare wires touched the car-battery terminal, but technicians did not believe it would detonate.
Dunn was taken to a VA hospital because of medical issues and stress before being placed in a mental hospital, according to the incident report.
Out-of-custody charges were filed against Dunn for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; possessing, using, manufacturing or threatening to use an incendiary device or explosives; and obstructing an officer.
The sheriff’s office spokesperson said evictions can be “so emotionally charged” and deputies sadly see volatile reactions during such calls. The spokesperson said the confrontation came four years after officers were attacked in another similar eviction-related incident.
In a separate eviction call about a year ago, the spokesperson said, a man allegedly tried to set a deputy on fire before setting himself ablaze and dying.
