WIMBERLEY, Texas \u2014 Authorities safely disposed of homemade explosive materials discovered at the former Wimberley property of a 40-year-old man who drowned in Canyon Lake, Hays County officials said.<\/p>\n
On Thursday morning around 8:30 a.m. the Hays County Combined Emergency Communications Center got a call about the discovery of suspected military-type and homemade explosive material on the property in the 2700 block of Fischer Store Road.<\/p>\n
The Hays County Sheriff\u2019s Office, Hays County Fire Marshal\u2019s Office and Hays County Office of Emergency Services responded. Officials requested a bomb squad to evaluate the items and determine how to safely dispose of them, according to Hays County Fire Marshal Jake Vierra.<\/p>\n
The Austin Police Department Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives\u2019 Austin Field Office responded to assist. Following a detailed assessment, specialists determined controlled detonations were the safest way to dispose of the materials.<\/p>\n
Agencies coordinated with a nearby property owner to use an open field where the materials could be transported and safely detonated.<\/p>\n
Officials said residents near the operation received a shelter-in-place notification that was sent incorrectly. The message was intended to advise nearby residents of increased first responder activity and warn them that they could hear or feel explosions related to the controlled detonations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Hays County Fire Marshal\u2019s Office and its partner agencies apologize for the confusion and concern this notification may have caused,\u201d Vierra said. \u201cAn internal review will be conducted to determine how the error occurred and what improvements can be made to ensure future public notifications are clear, accurate, and appropriate for the circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
Investigators identified 40-year-old Robert Chapman of Wimberley as the individual responsible for the materials. Officials said Chapman had previously lived as a tenant at the property where the items were found.<\/p>\n