A San Antonio Police Department Bomb Squad detonated explosive devices at the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office impound lot, adjacent to the Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center, that were found by deputies yesterday at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16.
The bomb squad was called in to Gillespie County after deputies, who were conducting a search and inventory of a U-Haul box truck in the impound lot, encountered several suspicious devices.
“Once an onsite investigation was conducted, it was determined that the suspicious devices were too unstable to transport,” according to a statement by Sheriff Buddy Mills. “Due to the unknown nature and threat of the suspicious devices, steps were taken to ensure public safety by sealing off the area.”
Mills said an onsite safety zone was constructed with the assistance of the Fredericksburg Police Department, Fredericksburg Fire EMS, Fredericksburg Public Works and County Commissioner of Precinct 4 Don Weinheimer.
“Several explosive devices were removed from the U-Haul and others were rendered safe by the bomb squad,” according to the sheriff’s office press release. “Numerous ammo cans of ammunition, a handgun and body armor were also located in the U-Haul.
“The area was deemed safe at approximately 8 p.m., and all agencies remained on the scene until around 10 p.m., before wrapping up operations.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and San Antonio Fire and EMS also responded.
Arrest led to search
The search and inventory of the U-Haul stemmed from an arrest of Zachary Richardson Rhyne, 46, of Cathlamet, Washington, that occurred 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11.
After making a traffic stop near the 6700 block of U.S. 87 South, a deputy arrested Rhyne when they learned he was wanted on warrants in the state of Washington for the theft of over $400,000 worth of coins and precious metals.
He was booked into the Gillespie County Jail on two out-of-county warrant charges — one for larceny theft and third- or fourth-degree assault and a charge of unlawfully possessing metal or body armor by a felon.
Deputies had located the coins and precious metals before encountering the suspicious devices.
This is still an ongoing investigation, and Rhyne remains in jail on a $1 million cash bond with additional pending charges, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Our sincere appreciation to all the agencies involved for their cooperation and their rapid and effective response. Also, to the citizens who were inconvenienced or displaced, we appreciate your understanding,” Mills said in a statement.
