TEXAS — Austin, Texas police say “similarities” in three package explosions this month lead investigators to believe the incidents are related.
On Monday morning, a 17-year-old male was killed and a woman was injured after a package was opened and exploded. Later in the day, an elderly woman was injured in a second reported explosion, located in the 6700 block of Galindo Street.
Another male died from his injuries in a March 2 explosion.
Although a motive for the crimes is not known, police say the homes that were targeted belonged to African-American families.
“If you receive a package that you are not expecting or looks suspicious, DO NOT open it, call 911 immediately,” Austin police Chief Brian Manley warned residents. “If you’ve received a package that has been left on your doorstep or left in your yard or left on your driveway that you were not expecting or that was not from someone you know, then give us a call.”
Federal authorities, including the FBI and ATF, are assisting in the investigation.
AFD units onscene in support of @Austin_Police and @ATCEMS at another package explosion incident 6700 blk Galindo pic.twitter.com/Q2wS65wClR
— Austin Fire Info (@AustinFireInfo) March 12, 2018
My heart goes out to the family of the individual who died & was injured from the explosion on Old Fort Hill Dr. This type of crime will not be tolerated in #ATX. If you receive a package that you are not expecting or looks suspicious, DO NOT open it, call 911 immediately. pic.twitter.com/sJSYQZMziv
— Chief Brian Manley (@chief_manley) March 12, 2018
APD responding to a reported explosion in the 6700 block of Galindo Street. The incident number is 180710681. The call came in as a nature unknown urgent at 11:50 this morning. PIO is en route and will tweet briefing time and location once determined. NOI
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 12, 2018
APD briefing regarding explosion in the 4800 block of Old Fort Hill Drive. https://t.co/gY2yyu5aOY
— Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) March 12, 2018
