AUSTIN, TX (KXAN) — The suspected Austin bomber, 23-year-old Mark Anthony Conditt, is dead after detonating a bomb inside a car on Interstate 35 after a SWAT officer fired at him, Austin Police Department Chief Brian Manley said.
“This is the culmination of three very long weeks in our community,” Manley said.
The explosion happened on Interstate 35 in Round Rock near Old Settlers Boulevard around 2 a.m. Wednesday. Investigators had recently identified a white man as a person of interest and then a suspect, and found the vehicle he was known to drive at a Red Roof Inn in Round Rock.
Officials filed a federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant against Conditt Tuesday night, charging him with one count of Unlawful Possession and Transfer of a Destructive Device. The complaint affidavit remains sealed at this time.
Law enforcement took up positions around the hotel and was waiting for APD’s tactical team to arrive to take the bomber into custody when he started to drive away. Officials followed, and he pulled to the side of southbound Interstate 35.
When SWAT approached, Chief Manley says he detonated a bomb, which knocked one SWAT officer back and gave him minor injuries. Another officer, who is an 11-year APD veteran, fired at Conditt. The officer will be placed on administrative duty, per APD policy.
The suspect died and had “significant injuries” from the bomb, Manley said. Officials have not determined a motive for the bombings yet, but say they believe he is connected to all of the package explosions since March 2.
Southbound I-35 was closed for much of the morning while officials investigated, but reopened around 8:25 a.m.
Police activity centered in the parking lot of a Red Roof Inn at 1990 N. I-35, just south of Chisholm Parkway.
Michael Luna, a witness staying at the hotel who is ex-military, told KXAN the blast sounded like two grenades going off.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Austin Police Department, were all on scene. APD will conduct an internal investigation into the officer-involved shooting, the Texas Rangers will also investigate and the police monitor will be involved as well, Manley said.
The chief also warned the public that officials do not yet know what the suspect did in the past day, and they don’t know if there are any more devices in the community. Law enforcement officials warn residents in Austin and surrounding communities to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.
“If you see something that looks suspicious, If you see something out of place, If you see something that gives you concern, call 911 and let us know,” Manley said.
Officials do not yet know if Conditt had an accomplice or accomplices.