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Police remove suspicious items from home
Cedar Park police shared new information about what they found inside of a home that forced some neighbors to evacuate, and others to shelter in place on July 12.
CEDAR PARK, Texas - Cedar Park police identified the "suspicious items" inside a home that forced some neighbors to evacuate and, others to shelter in place Wednesday evening.
Police said on July 12, around 2 p.m., officers received a call from a concerned citizen about items that were discovered inside her home off Parksville Way.
Based on the investigation, CPPD believe the items belong to someone known to the homeowner.
Some of the items removed from the home include:
- 29 firearms
- Ammunition
- Various materials and chemical agents typically used to make explosives
Due to the potential danger of the objects, CPPD called in several other agencies to assist. On the scene were Austin Fire, Travis County EMS, APD Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Cedar Park Fire, Cedar Park EMC, FBI and ATF.
Nearby neighbors were asked to either evacuate their homes or stay inside as a safety precaution, police said.
At 10 p.m., officials cleared the area. Cedar Park police chief Mike Harmon said they will be testing the material found inside the home.
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'Suspicious items' in Cedar Park home
Police are working to remove suspicious items at a home in Cedar Park, police said.
"A little concerned that there might be a bomb that explodes right next door," said Shanna Bennette, a neighbor.
It's not every day you see a bomb squad in your neighborhood.
"As I’m standing there getting the mail, the bomb squad came by so that was kind of unique and special for us," said Bennette.
Shanna Bennette was one of the neighbors who sheltered in place until about 10 p.m. Wednesday while Cedar Park police, ATF, and the Austin Bomb Squad removed objects from a home near the intersection of Parksville Way and Ambling Trail.
Nearby roofing contractor, Colt Rush, decided to leave.
"Those things are always scary to hear, but I was relieved to see the response that it got," said Rush.
Police said they seized ammunition and 29 firearms.
"I’m not at all surprised by that many weapons," said Rush. "I have a family arsenal myself, but it’s been collected over the years from my great-grandad down."
"That’s a lot of guns to have for one person," said Bennette. "We have a few but not anywhere close to that. The fact that it’s so close to us and so many kids. It’s kinda concerning."
Police also said they found various materials or chemical agents typically used in making explosives.
"The other stuff, it’s a little concerning," said Rush. "Some of these chemicals I mean your common household items like bleach and ammonia can be used for toxic gas, right."
Cedar Park police are sending in some of the items removed for testing.
"Leaning on the first responders' professionalism and how they handled it all- I can’t give them enough credit and respect for what they do," said Rush.
Cedar Park police added it is working with ATF on what charges may be filed for this case.