- Garland resident discovers 12+ live explosive devices in wooded area
- FBI bomb squad spends 18 hours neutralizing threats near playground
- $5,000 reward offered for information about suspect(s)
In a chilling Sunday morning discovery, a vigilant citizen stumbled upon an open suitcase containing multiple functional homemade explosives near Wynne Park’s picnic area. Garland PD confirmed the devices showed advanced construction techniques, including remote detonation capabilities rarely seen in amateur builds. This incident marks Texas’ third major explosive-related case in 2024, following similar discoveries in Houston and San Antonio last quarter.
Law enforcement sources reveal the devices contained ammonium nitrate mixtures – the same chemical compound used in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. ATF data shows a 37% increase in homemade explosive materials seized in North Texas since 2022. “These weren’t fireworks,” stated Garland Police spokesperson Elena Márquez. “We’re looking at professional-grade components typically requiring specialized knowledge to assemble safely.”
The regional threat pattern mirrors the 2016 Austin ISD bomb scare where three schools received similar devices. Unlike that case resolved within 72 hours, investigators currently lack digital footprints or surveillance footage from Wynne Park’s perimeter. Counterterrorism units are cross-referencing components with recent thefts from Dallas-area construction sites and agricultural suppliers.
Residents within a 1.5-mile radius received emergency alerts advising caution when handling unidentified packages. Garland ISD implemented enhanced security screening at all 17 campuses Monday morning. Homeland Security’s latest domestic threat assessment highlights Texas as a high-risk zone for improvised explosive incidents, with 43% of national cases originating in the state.
