Texas police provide update on explosive materials found in suspect's bag

Two bags of potentially explosive devices, including propane tanks, electrical wiring and pressure cookers, were found in separate locations in Lake Worth on July 25, 2024, after a threat suspect was reported at a Walmart, officials said.

No one was injured, the man was taken into custody and the devices were safely "mitigated," police Chief J.T. Manoushagian said.

The man's name and any potential charges he faces have not been released yet.

The incident unfolded over several hours Thursday, starting around 9:40 a.m., when police got a call about someone entering a Walmart off Lake Worth Boulevard with weapons. Police later learned a man was seen with two large backpacks that took up a whole shopping cart, Manoushagian said.

The building was evacuated and police began working to find the suspect, who had also sent threatening messages to his parole officer, Manoushagian said.

The messages, according to Manoushagian, included: "I have things stashed everywhere," "Cops play with my word," "When I say planned, I mean everything."

Dispatchers were able to ping the man's phone and see that he had moved away from the Walmart. While officers were looking for him, they found the first suspicious bag in front of the Richie Brothers Auctioneers building, which is located near Azle Avenue and Northwest Loop 820 in Lake Worth.

A short time later, the man was located nearby and detained. Then, about an hour after the first bag was found, a second suspicious bag was located in the 3900 block of Boat Club Road in Lake Worth, police said.

[sheiladale]

My first thought when the Lake Worth police chief came to the mic…. “He’s tough! Good to see someone in command that looks like he’s been out there and knows how to handle ‘business’.
RESPECT!!

[JC-ilor]

If only the Secret Service was so coordinated 2 weeks ago...
Well done to you and the rest of the teams.

[lauravillarreal]

Thank you so much to all of the departments for all of your hard work and keeping the community safe!

[MarlyndaTaylor]

What a great, honest briefing with good information, facts, clarifications, with no accusations or evasion of details. Very even handed and comprehensive.

[CherylHallonquist-cmmm]

Sir could you please head the SECRET SERVICE. They need you.

[donnastansell]

Thank you all for your quick action!God bless you!it's better to be safe than sorry!❤

[sharongann]

Thank you for your service and keeping the public safe!

[Kjane]

Excellent!! Talk about coordination!! Bless you all!!
,

[deannadeason]

Thank You May The Good Lord Bless and keep you all safe all of your days. We need good People more now than Ever. Thank you for your sacrifice and hard work. Keeping you all in our Prayers❤

[mike-bk-jy]

I'm in DFW area. Thank you Lake Worth first responders!

[mgmassey]

What is wrong with these people who seek to hurt other?
😮

[EverettBaland]

Great example of how things should work. It starts with citizens/businesses and early reporting. Public Safety agencies typically do their work well and work together well. But incidents are positively impacted by what folks on the scene can do and report.

[Ark-Angel]

USSS needs to study this. They obviously need remedial work .

[paulaclark]

Thank you PD! God Bless y’all and the people or person that was alert and paying attention!

[patriciahogan]

God bless our law enforcement in Texas.

[Torgo-and-the-Lucifer-Cat]

Propane?? Boy howdy, ah tell ya whut....that boy ain't right..😊

[Luckynono]

North Hurst here. Our prayers are with you Lake Worth🙏🇺🇸

[eprofessio]

So a million dollar operation to catch a homeless dude with some propane canisters. Am I missing something here?

[CrazyLilGemini]

Wait... he is homeless and had camping supplies like for was living in a wooded area that they searched and found nothing?!?!?

[aarongreenfield]

Sounds like a big waste of money for some Coleman lantern fuel LOL