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

  • Survey Shows Election Anxiety Crosses Party Lines

    New reports of election worker intimidation are raising concerns about election interference. A majority of Americans (71%) are worried about voter intimidation or safety at the polls, and 75% want security cameras at their voting place, according to a new national survey. Read Now

  • 66 Percent of Cybersecurity Pros Say Job Stress is Growing

    Sixty-six percent of cybersecurity professionals say their role is more stressful now than it was five years ago, according to the newly released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • Live from GSX 2024: Post-Show Recap

    Another great edition of GSX is in the books! We’d like to thank our great partners for this years event, NAPCO, LVT, Eagle Eye Networks and Hirsch, for working with us and allowing us to highlight some of the great solutions the companies were showcasing during the crowded show. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

  • Research: Cybersecurity Success Hinges on Full Organizational Support

    Cybersecurity is the top technology priority for the vast majority of organizations, but moving from aspiration to reality requires a top-to-bottom commitment that many companies have yet to make, according to new research released today by CompTIA, the nonprofit association for the technology industry and workforce. 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

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3