West Texas Fertilizer Explosion Now Under Suspicious Investigation

West Texas Fertilizer Explosion Now Under Suspicious Investigation

  • By Ginger Hill
  • May 10, 2013

West Texas Fertilizer Explosion Now Under Suspicious InvestigationShortly after attending a memorial service for one of his friends (a victim of the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion) West EMT Bryce Reed finds himself arrested and detained by law enforcement, charged with the possession of a destructive device.

Officials have yet to say whether the arrest was related to the West Fertilizer Co. explosion; however, Reed is due in federal court in Waco, Texas this morning.

Apparently, Bryce Reed was also an EMS instructor, and Dallasnews.com spoke with one of his students, Amanda Atkins. “The Bryce Reed that I know is a great guy. He would do anything for anybody. I would trust him with my life.”

Currently, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers are launching a full criminal investigation based on the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion.

West Texas Fertilizer Explosion Now Under Suspicious InvestigationParnell McNamara, McLennan County Sheriff, stated, “The citizens of McLennan County and Texas must have confidence that this incident has been looked at from every angle and professionally handled – they deserve nothing less.”

I must say that I, as a Texan, am truly saddened by this additional news about the West fertilizer plant explosion. It was horrible enough that it has been thought the plant exploded on its own dangerous accord, but now that there is a possible suspect and a possible motive attached to it, it’s even worse than it was initially. And, if it turns out to be a malicious act, I hope those involved are punished to the full extent of the law.

Sources: http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/05/west-paramedic-arrested-on-charge-of-possession-of-destructive-device.html

 http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/05/mclennan-county-sheriffs-office-texas-rangers-open-criminal-investigation-into-west-plant-explosion.html/

Afternoon UPDATE from the Waco Tribune

A sworn affidavit has indicated that deputies who were called to an undisclosed residence in Abbott, Texas on Tuesday discovered components that experts say could be used to make a pipe bomb:

  • A 3.5-by-1.5-inch galvanized pipe;
  • Canisters containing a hobby fuse, a lighter, digital scale, plastic spoon, six coils of ribbon; and
  • Several pounds of bagged chemical powders: potassium nitrate, aluminum powder, red iron oxide, ammonium perchlorate, potassium perchlorate, sulfur powder, air float charcoal and Eckart 10890 German Dark Aluminum.

Apparently, on April 26, the resident at the Abbott, Texas home had taken possession of the above listed components from Reed without knowing what they were. Reed has admitted to possessing the components of a pipe bomb to law enforcement officials.

Reed, who is in federal custody, is scheduled for a detention hearing Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

Source: http://www.wacotrib.com/news/west_explosion/update-feds-will-not-speculate-whether-pipe-bomb-components-related/article_497ff644-0631-53c4-8181-755e1743aa39.html

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Making the Grade with Locks and Door Hardware

    Managing and maintaining locks and door hardware across a school district or university campus is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Knowing the basics of common door hardware, including locks, panic devices and door closers, can make a difference in daily operations and emergency situations. Read Now

  • Choosing the Right Solution

    Today, there is a strong shift from on-prem installations to cloud or hybrid-cloud deployments. As reported in the 2024 Genetec State of Physical Security report, 66% of end users said they will move to managing or storing more physical security in the cloud over the next two years. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Security Risks for U.S. Retail Chains

    Interface Systems, a provider of security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, has released its 2024 State of Remote Video Monitoring in Retail Chains report. The detailed study analyzed over 2 million monitoring requests across 4,156 retail locations in the United States from September 2023 to August 2024. Read Now

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles. 3