‘The building just blew up’: 911 calls reveal details surrounding a building explosion in Wilmington

New Hanover, NC (WWAY) — Newly released 9-1-1 calls are giving us a better understand of what happened after a gas line caused an explosion at the East Carolina Veterinary Center in Wilmington two months ago. In the calls, you hear how one person’s courage may have led to the arrest of the suspect.

Operator: “911, what’s the address of the emergency?”

Caller: “Yes, the building just blew up at Bob King GMC. 5515 New Centre Drive, that building just blew up.”

Frantic calls for help, in the wake of the New Centre Drive explosion. Eyewitnesses flooding emergency services 911. 

Caller: “I’m not quite sure, but I’m in the TJ Maxx right now; some building just blew up off of New Centre, it looks like maybe by the Walmart. There’s a lot of black smoke. “

The August 19th explosion destroyed the future home of Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center. 

Caller: “We’re in Bob King, there’s an explosion over here, the building beside us. It’s the whole building.” 

Police say 46-year-old Jason Lee Beach of Wilmington was drunk when he drove over gas lines adjacent to the building and then fled the scene.  In a remarkable revelation, another eyewitness saw a car leave the scene, followed it in their vehicle, and was composed enough to call 911. 

Caller: “A car just went right through a light. He smashed into…  The guy drove right straight through a light. He hit meters and I can smell gas.”

Operator: “He hit meters there is that correct?”  

Caller: “Yes and I smell gas…and he drove off.” 

The caller followed the car down Market Street, giving the 911 operator valuable information of the location of the suspect. 

Caller: “He turned into a 7-Eleven.”   

Operator: “Were you able to get that tag by chance?”   

Caller: “I’m trying. He’s parked at the 7-Eleven and there’s a gas station. I’m going to pull up. It’s RKH4496.” 

The caller kept an eye on the assailant, offering a description to the operator. 

Operator: “Is he still there?”

Caller: “He’s getting out.”

Operator: “What’s he wearing?”   

Caller: “Camo pink shorts and a white t-shirt with black sleeves. He’s got flip flops on.”  

Operator: “I got officers notified in the area.” 

This incredible information by an anonymous caller undoubtedly led to the arrest of Beach, who’s charged with DWI felony serious injury, possession of drug paraphernalia, hit and run, and reckless driving.   

The call concluded with comments from a thankful dispatch operator. 

Operator: “You are amazing.”