Flamethrowers, weapons recovered from charred remains of Florida death metal guitarist's home

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Flamethrowers, numerous weapons, and ammunition were recovered from the burning home of the lead guitarist for death metal band Cannibal Corpse Monday night, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

As his home burned, deputies say 53-year-old Pat O’Brien broke into his neighbor's home, where he allegedly assaulted a resident and then fled into the backyard.

O'Brien went into the home on Windflower Circle, but he did not know the people who lived there, according to HCSO. Deputies say O'Brien was asked to leave but instead, he shoved one of the residents to the ground and took off.

The first deputy on the scene said O’Brien “would not obey his lawful commands” and ran towards the deputy with a knife in his right hand. A taser was deployed and O’Brien was taken into custody.

Meanwhile, inside O'Brien's home, ammunition began to explode under the heat of the raging fire. By the time crews got to the home, flames were shooting through the roof. It took nearly an hour to put out the fire.

No one was hurt.

Tuesday morning, neighbors were evacuated as a bomb squad entered the home to determine that it was safe.

Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said the cause of the fire is under investigation, and O’Brien faces no charges in relation to it. However, he has been charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and burglary with assault or battery.

O’Brien’s band, Cannibal Corse, was formed in 1988 in New York. The band announced Monday they are scheduled to perform with Slayer during their farewell tour next year. 

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