Austin residents from the 2400 block of Vintage Stave Road had to be evacuated Tuesday afternoon following the discovery of a possible explosive device. At around 3:13 p.m., Austin Police Department officers were called to the scene, as detailed by the Austin Police Department. The APD Bomb Squad, alongside the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, swiftly responded to investigate the threat.
According to the Austin Police, it quickly became apparent that the best method to handle the situation was to neutralize some of the explosive materials right where they were found inside the house. This drastic measure was meant to carefully evacuate nearby residents, a task that had to be promptly completed within the public safety protocols implemented in such tense occurrences. The controlled detonation was expected to take place "within the next hour and a half to two hours" after the first announcement.
Authorities urged the public to stay clear of the vicinity of Frate Barker, between Menchaca Rd. and Brodie Ln. This was to ensure that they kept safe while the operation was ongoing. Residents were notified of the progress and when they would be allowed back into their homes after the area was declared safe. While navigating the potential danger, APD confirmed that one person had been detained in connection with the incident. Additional information about this individual and their involvement was promised to be released at a later time.
