A man has been arrested and charged for placing a hoax bomb that caused a major road closure in North Harris County.
The incident on Aug. 15 led to an extensive investigation by local law enforcement agencies, including the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad.
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According to authorities, 26-year-old Travis Austin Alexander was caught on video placing a suspicious device in the median of the 4700 block of FM 2920 Road in Spring. The device, which appeared to be a bomb, prompted a significant response from multiple agencies, including the Harris County Hazmat team, the ATF, the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Spring Fire Department, and ESD 11.
The suspicious item, described as a yellow laundry detergent container attached to a clear plastic bottle filled with an unknown substance, had a fuse-like stem sticking out and a small American flag attached. The bomb squad and hazmat teams conducted a four-hour-long investigation, using robotics and other resources to x-ray the device and test its liquid contents. The device was eventually deemed non-incendiary and non-explosive, but not before causing a significant disruption to the area.
The incident resulted in the closure of FM 2920 in both directions during peak traffic hours, affecting thousands of drivers who were forced to find alternative routes. Authorities believe the device was intentionally constructed to resemble an explosive device, causing alarm and eliciting a response from emergency agencies.
On Aug. 17, Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 Sgt. Jennifer Martinez recognized Alexander from a previous traffic interference encounter. After identifying him using his Texas identification card, officers located and interviewed him.
During the interview, Alexander admitted to constructing and placing the item but denied intending to cause a reaction. He stated that he often “runs a muck” in the area and was unsure why he placed the device.
Based on Alexander’s past behavior and the nature of the incident, law enforcement officials believe that the item was placed as a hoax bomb. Alexander was subsequently arrested and charged with the offense.
The roads have since been reopened, and the situation was resolved without any injuries. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which authorities take potential threats to public safety.
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KPRC 2 has reached out for Alexander’s mug shot.