McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Rangers open criminal investigation into explosion

[The Straight Story]

Hours after local and federal authorities arrested West paramedic Bryce Reed for possessing a destructive device of some kind, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers announced they are launching a criminal investigation into the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion.

In a statement released this morning, DPS Director Steven McCraw says, “This disaster has severely impacted the community of West, and we want to ensure that no stone goes unturned and that all the facts related to this incident are uncovered.”

Adds McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara, “The citizens of McLennan County and Texas must have confidence that this incident has been looked at from every angle and professionally handled — they deserve nothing less.”

For now, that is all the information they are releasing.

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/05/mclennan-county-sheriffs-office-texas-rangers-open-criminal-investigation-into-west-plant-explosion.html/

[LeftInTX]

1. West Paramedic Arrested - Possession of Destructive Device

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/05/west-paramedic-arrested-on-charge-of-possession-of-destructive-device.html/

Bryce Reed, 31, was arrested around 2 a.m. and was booked into McLennan County Jail. The U.S. Marshals have since taken him into custody.

Officials haven’t said whether the arrest was related to the April 17 explosion at West Fertilizer Co. that killed 15, injured about 200 and destroyed hundreds of homes.

Before his arrest, Reed had spoken to the media — including The Dallas Morning News and The Los Angeles Times — about his experience responding to the explosion.

He is due in federal court in Waco some time after 10 this morning.

Dr. George Smith, medical director for West EMS, had no comment when reached this morning.

Yikes!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds serious

[Brother Buzz]

2. A most curious development

This may just take the heat of the West, Texas VFD for causing unrestrained globalization, but we shouldn't speculate until we have the facts.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022737557

[LanternWaste]

3. Or when given supporting evidence, we could simply reply with "meh"

Or when given supporting evidence, we could simply reply with "meh"