City of Austin

The Austin Police (APD), in coordination with local and federal partners, has concluded a months-long investigation into a series of explosive incidents that occurred in Central and South Austin.

Beginning in August 2025, APD received reports of repeated late-night explosions in the areas surrounding Jones Road and the Blunn Creek greenbelt near St. Edward’s University. Further investigation determined the incidents were not consistent with commercially available fireworks and posed a potential risk to public safety.

On August 13, 2025, the APD Bomb Squad responded to an explosion in the 2500 block of Jones Road and collected evidence of an improvised explosive device. As reports continued through 9-1-1, 3-1-1, and community tips, investigators identified a pattern of activity spanning several months.

Due to the complexity of the investigation and the potential threat to our community, the APD Bomb Squad, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigators and explosive specialists, and Austin Fire (AFD) collaborated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Central Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC) and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.

On December 16, 2025, investigators identified a suspect and executed a search and arrest warrant in the 500 block of Lightsey Road in Austin. During the search, multiple improvised explosive devices were located inside the suspect’s residence and vehicle.

The suspect was identified as Derek Austin Gillespie, a 49-year-old White male. Following interviews conducted by the APD Crime Gun Intelligence Unit and ATF task force investigators, Gillespie was arrested and charged with Possession of a Prohibited Weapon – Explosive Device, a third-degree felony.



At this time, investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. There have been no reported injuries related to the incidents.

“This investigation highlights the importance of collaboration and persistence,” said APD Chief of Police Lisa Davis. “Thanks to the dedication of our officers, partner agencies, and community members who reported suspicious activity, we were able to stop behavior that posed a serious risk to public safety. APD remains committed to supporting joint investigations that address emerging threats and protect our communities. This case underscores how information sharing and coordinated enforcement efforts can bring swift resolution to complex cases.”

“This investigation began with concerned community members vocalizing public safety concerns,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “Through the hard work and collaboration of Austin Police and their partners, and our ability to leverage the collective investigative expertise of the Central Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), we were able to identify the suspect. Thanks to the support of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, Derek Austin Gillespie will now face justice. We encourage the community to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activity to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov. Your information helps make our communities safer.”

"This case underscores the critical importance of strong partnerships and information sharing in addressing threats involving explosives,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “Through close collaboration with Austin Police and our federal, state, and local partners, ATF was able to help identify, locate, and remove dangerous explosive devices before anyone was harmed. The successful outcome of this investigation reflects our shared commitment to protecting the community and holding those who possess prohibited weapons accountable.”

“The success of this investigation is due in large part to the strong, collaborative relationship among local, state, and national law enforcement agencies that comprise the Central Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force, including representatives from Austin Fire, who worked tirelessly to collect evidence that led to the identification and arrest of Derek Austin Gillespie,” said Austin Fire Assistant Chief Jeffrey Kennedy. “We are grateful to everyone who contributed to making our city safer.”

APD continues to work closely with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office as the case moves forward.

All agencies involved would like to thank the community for reporting suspicious activity and working with investigators throughout this process. Anyone who observes suspicious or potentially dangerous activity is encouraged to contact APD. You may submit a tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477.