Montgomery County Police have released the name of a victim in a death-investigation-turned-hazmat-situation.
The body of Gaithersburg resident Marcos Lopez-Perez, 39, was found inside an SUV parked outside of his home in the 800 block of Clopper Road on Monday night, according to authorities. Investigators think Lopez-Perez had been inside the vehicle since Sunday night, after going out with some friends.
Police and fire officials showed up at the SUV after one of the victim's family members made the gruesome discovery. It went from gruesome to dangerous when authorities opened the door of the white Ford Explorer, as strong gasoline vapors escaped from the vehicle. Five officers were overcome by the fumes and had to be taken to the hospital, where they were treated and have since been released.
Investigators have not explicity named the source of the gasoline fumes but said some type of generator, which was turned off, was also found on the passenger side of the vehicle.
Detectives don't suspect any foul play in Lopez-Perez's death. They're awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
