AUSTIN, Texas — A 49-year-old man has been arrested following a months-long investigation into a series of mysterious explosions across Austin, according to the Austin Police Department (APD).
Arrest Made After Explosive Devices Found
Authorities identified the suspect as Derek Austin Gillespie, who was taken into custody on Tuesday after officers executed a search warrant at his residence and vehicle. Police said they discovered several “improvised” explosive devices, confirming that the devices were not commercially made fireworks.
Gillespie has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon — explosive device, a third-degree felony, according to the police statement.
Investigation Dates Back to August
The investigation began in August 2025, after police received multiple reports of explosions near Jones Road and the Blunn Creek Greenbelt, an area located near St. Edward’s University.
According to the APD, the explosions were determined to be “not consistent with commercially available fireworks” and posed a serious risk to public safety.
During one of the early incidents in August, investigators recovered evidence of an improvised explosive in the 2500 block of Jones Road, helping to link the explosions to a single suspect.
No Injuries Reported, But Public Safety Threat Confirmed
Police said that no injuries have been reported from any of the explosions. However, the nature of the devices — and their proximity to public spaces — prompted an extensive, multi-agency investigation involving local and federal law enforcement. Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the explosions or whether Gillespie had intended to target specific individuals or locations.
Continuing Investigation
Gillespie remains in custody as the investigation continues. The Austin Police Department’s Bomb Squad and federal partners are working to determine how the devices were made and whether additional explosives exist.
Residents in the affected neighborhoods expressed relief following the arrest but remain concerned about safety in the wake of the discoveries. Stay with HonkNews.com for continuing coverage on this developing Austin investigation and other Texas crime updates.