Police: Gas Leak Leads To Arrest Of Break-In Suspect

Raleigh police said a car struck a release valve at around 7 a.m. in

the 200 block of Dixie Trail

.

Police said Miguel Angel Terrazas, 21, of 4112-B Woodlake Place in Raleigh, got out of the car on Bedford Avenue and broke into Jean Carroll's home nearby. He smashed the window and started throwing things around, police said.

"He broke all the windows and tore things out and knocked my fence down, and I'm not really sure why," said Carroll, who had left her house when she smelled the gas. "There are things thrown everywhere and blood on the walls, so I guess he cut himself badly."

Police said Terrazas broke part of Carroll's picket fence as he was leaving.

"I'm kind of shocked. It's been quite a morning," Carroll said.

Officers responding to the gas leak later located Terrazas, and he was taken into custody.

Terrazas was charged with DWI, careless and reckless driving, breaking and entering, and damage to property. He was in custody at the Wake County Jail late Friday evening.

The accident ruptured a 2-inch gas line, but crews said they were able to shut off the gas. According to Progress Energy, the car also struck a utility pole, knocking out power to 115 customers.

Staff members and students at Fred A. Olds Elementary School were evacuated to a church across the street. The school reopened at 9:15 a.m.