Man gets prison term for Girard explosion

Girard House Explosion

Gallery

A House on the Corner of Townsend and Washington Streets in Girard Exploded Thursday, July 18, 2008 around 6:30 p.m. Photographers James Hughes and Steve Meyers contributed to this slide show.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — Donald F. Shelley of Girard has been sentenced to four years in prison for causing the explosion on Washington Street, Girard, that damaged 50 homes and injured four people Sept. 18, 2008.

Shelley, 25, of North Avenue, appeared Thursday in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court and received his sentence from Judge John M. Stuard.

Police say Shelley stole scrap metal from a home on Washington Street, which damaged a gas line that led to the explosion and fire. The explosion leveled that unoccupied home and set a neighboring home on fire.

The explosion, which could be felt a mile way, occurred at about 6:15 p.m. near Church Hill Road.

About 50 families living near the explosion were affected by the blast with shattered windows in their homes and foundations that shifted with the force. Neighbors spent several days digging out from under the rubble.

Damage estimates exceed $500,000, said Mike Burnett, an assistant county prosecutor.

Judge Stuard ordered Shelley to make restitution to the victims of the explosion once the total of the damage is calculated.