Suspect arrested in connection to months of explosive incidents in Austin

Police have arrested a 49-year-old man in connection with a series of explosive device detonations that occurred over several months in Central and South Austin.

Following a months-long investigation by local and federal law enforcement agencies, Derek Austin Gillespie was arrested Tuesday and charged with possession of a prohibited weapon — explosive device, a third-degree felony.

The investigation began in August after police received reports of repeated late-night explosions in areas surrounding Jones Road and the Blunn Creek greenbelt near St. Edward’s University, according to the Austin Police Department.

On Aug. 13, the APD Bomb Squad responded to an explosion in the 2500 block of Jones Road and collected evidence of an improvised explosive device. As reports continued through 911, 311 and community tips, investigators identified a pattern of activity spanning several months.

Read more: CBS Austin