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

  • Ransomware Attacks Rise for the First Time in Six Months

    Ransomware attacks have risen for the first time in six months, increasing by 28% month-on-month to 421 attacks. While overall attack volume remained below 500, the uptick may signal a renewed escalation heading into the year’s most active period for cyber criminals. Read Now

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.