The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office had along with Austin Police Department Bomb Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives arrested a 47-year-old father-of-two after finding improvised bombs at his home.
Authorities were alerted on Tuesday morning of John Christopher Crawson making terroristic threats with explosives against a family member at his Santa Barbara Loop home.
Once there, officers came upon explosives and remained there for the rest of the day, trying with the help of experts to safely neutralize the bombs.
At least six nearby residences were ordered to evacuate as a precautionary measure, according to Lt. Jason Braeutigam.
Crawson’s neighbors were in disbelief over the news of his arrest and the dangerous accusations against him.
“We’re very close-knit. We’re all hurting right now,” one said echoing a retired teacher who said he had Crawson’s sons in middle school: “It’s an absolute surprise is all I can say.”
A 74-year-old resident recalled how Crawson would pick up tree limbs from neighbors’ yards following the last storm and put them away.
“He’s always a nice guy; Does things for everybody. It’s hard to believe – but anything’s possible.”
