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Derek Austin Gillespie Arrested in Months-Long Austin Explosions

The case advances to the Travis County district attorney after a search turned up improvised devices.

Overview

  • He is charged with possession of a prohibited explosive weapon, a third-degree felony, according to Austin police.
  • Investigators say multiple improvised explosive devices were found in his Lightsey Road residence and in a vehicle.
  • Surveillance footage, cell-tower data and a prior police stop were cited in linking him to blasts across Central and South Austin, an affidavit states.
  • APD led a joint investigation with ATF, the FBI Central Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force, Austin Fire, ARIC and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.
  • More than a dozen late-night explosions since August rattled homes near Jones Road, the Blunn Creek area and other sites; no injuries were reported, though an October blast narrowly missed a woman walking her dogs.