GARLAND, Texas — “Numerous” live homemade explosive devices were found in a wooded area near a North Texas park this weekend, officials say.
Police were called after a homeless person found “suspicious items” that appeared to be potential explosives among other objects scattered near an open suitcase in a wooded area near Wynne Park in the area of West Centerville Road and South First Street in Garland around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, according to a press release.
“Responding officers confirmed that some of the items appeared to be potential homemade explosives,” a press release stated. The Garland Police Department’s Bomb Unit and FBI bomb technicians responded to the scene and determined there were “numerous live homemade explosive devices” near the suitcase, officials said. A spokesperson for Garland PD told WFAA that a few of the explosives were homemade pipe bombs.
Bomb technicians then rendered the devices inoperative, according to a press release. FBI and Garland Police detectives are investigating to find out more about the origin of the devices, police say. Members of the ATF and Garland PD canvassed the area on Monday to ensure there were no other devices nearby.
Some homeowners near the trail were asked to evacuate on Sunday as a precaution. Some stayed, while others left. One homeowner told WFAA that police told them not to come near the back of their property as a precaution.
A spokesperson for Garland PD told WFAA that investigators are now working with nearby businesses to see if they have any security footage identifying a possible suspect or suspects. They’re also working to determine if any of the materials in the explosives are traceable.
Garland Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest or indictment in the case.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Garland Police Department at 972-485-4840 or submit tips anonymously through Garland Crime Stoppers at 972-272-TIPS (8477).