The White Settlement Police Department responded to a person reporting a suspicious vehicle in a neighborhood on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 5:29 a.m. in the 9200 block of Jason Drive. As officers arrived, they found a white passenger van with an adult man seated in the driver’s seat. As officers approached, they recognized the man had a handgun in his lap. Officers started to talk to the man and realized he was experiencing a mental health issue. Over the course of talking with the man, officers, based upon their proximity to the suspect, were able to grab the man safely and remove him from the van while he did not have the gun in his possession. He was immediately detained thereafter.
Officers also saw what they believed to be an improvised explosive device on the front passenger seat and saw a second explosive device in the back of the van. Due to the presence of possible explosives, a perimeter was established until additional resources consisting of an explosive ordnance team could respond to help. At 5:53 a.m., the Fort Worth Police and Fire Departments responded, along with the Fort Worth Fire Department Bomb Squad. The assisting agencies confirmed that the two devices were indeed improvised explosive devices. An additional rifle and AR-style pistol were also found in addition to the handgun that was initially located with the man in the driver’s seat.
Based upon the nature of the incident, the department contacted federal agencies to assist with the investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Terrorism Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives responded and are assisting with the investigation and removal of the explosive devices. As the investigation progresses, there is a possibility that additional charges could be filed federally or through the state.
The White Settlement Fire Department also responded and assisted at the scene. The man has been taken into custody and transported to a local medical facility, pending further criminal charges.
White Settlement Police Detectives are working on obtaining search warrants to continue the criminal investigation. The van has been towed from the scene after the explosives were safely removed. There is no danger to the neighborhood and the perimeter has been broken down. Investigators are working with federal agencies to determine why he parked in a White Settlement neighborhood and what his intentions were.
Report #24WS23403
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