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Man detained after bomb threat in southwest Austin: police

By and FOX 7 Austin Digital Team
Published  March 12, 2024 2:16pm CDT
Southwest Austin
FOX 7 Austin

Bomb threat investigated in SW Austin

A bomb threat in Southwest Austin was determined to be a false alarm Tuesday afternoon. The scare happened in the Travis Country neighborhood, just feet away from the site of one of the Austin serial bombings back in 2018.

AUSTIN, Texas - The Austin Police Department bomb squad has given the all-clear following a bomb threat in Southwest Austin.

Police said around 2:10 p.m., on Tuesday, March 12, the bomb squad responded to a bomb threat call in the 4800 block of Republic of Texas Blvd. 

Austin police said a delivery driver called 9-1-1.

"APD officers made contact with the male subject, who again stated that he located a possible explosive device," said Austin Police Cpl. Jose Mendez. "The area of concern was contained, and a reverse 911 call was initiated to local residents."

The Austin police bomb squad used a robot to inspect the device, which was in one of two bags that were on the ground.

"It appeared to be two battery packs together, anywhere from 7 to 9 inches long," said Mendez.

The device was determined not to be dangerous.

SW Austin bomb threat

Austin police have given the all-clear after a bomb threat was reported in southwest Austin on March 12.

No one was hurt, but one person is currently being questioned.

Police were asking people to avoid the area and to remain inside their homes or buildings. The roadway was then reopened around 4 p.m.

RELATED: SW Austin neighborhood faces bomb threat 6 years after Austin bombings

APD gives update on bomb threat

FULL VIDEO: The APD bomb squad responded to a bomb threat in southwest Austin.

The scare happened in the Travis County neighborhood, just feet away from the site of one of the Austin serial bombings back in 2018.

"I was coming down the street over here, and couldn't. Cops had completely blocked it off," said Southwest Austin resident Aaron Reed.

Tuesday’s scare happened approximately 100 feet away from where an actual bomb went off six years ago, almost to the week.

On March 18, 2018, there was an explosion off Dawn Song Drive. Two men were hurt when a device went off that was believed to be activated by a tripwire.

That was one of five bombings that killed a total of two people across the Austin area. The spree ended when the bomber blew himself up.

"Any call of this nature is going to be taken seriously, regardless of if it's an anniversary date of the past Austin bombings or not," said Mendez.

Neighbors say they’re glad police didn’t take any chances, but grateful for a peaceful resolution this time around.

"I think everybody's ready for a little bit more quiet for the rest of the spring break," said a neighbor.

At this point, no charges have been filed against the man who was detained, but Austin police tell FOX 7 this is an ongoing investigation.