Staff Report
WIMBERLEY — At approximately 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, the Hays County Combined Emergency Communications Center received a call about the discovery of suspected military-type and homemade explosive material on a property in the 2700 block of Fischer Store Road near Wimberley.
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office and Hays County Office of Emergency Services responded to the property and conducted an initial assessment, according to Hays County Fire Marshal Jake Vierra. Based on the information provided and the items observed, officials determined that a bomb squad was needed to safely evaluate the items and determine the appropriate disposal method.
The Austin Police Department Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - Austin Field Office responded to assist, according to a Hays County news release. After a detailed assessment, specialists determined that controlled detonations were the safest and most appropriate way to dispose of the materials.
Responding agencies coordinated with a nearby property owner to use an open field to safely transport and remediate the materials. The controlled detonations were completed as part of the remediation process.
During the incident, a shelter-in-place notification was erroneously sent to residents near the location where the controlled detonations were taking place. The message was intended to notify nearby residents of the increased first responder presence and advise them that controlled detonations would occur, said the release. Residents were meant to be informed that they might hear or feel explosions in the area and that there was no reason to be alarmed.
“The Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office and its partner agencies apologize for the confusion and concern this notification may have caused,” said Vierra. “An internal review will be conducted to determine how the error occurred and what improvements can be made to ensure future public notifications are clear, accurate and appropriate for the circumstances.”
The investigation identified the individual responsible for the items as 40-year-old Robert Chapman of Wimberley. According to investigators, Chapman previously lived as a tenant on the property where the items were discovered. He died in a drowning incident at Canyon Lake around Aug. 30, more than two weeks before the materials were found.
The ATF is handling the investigation into the materials and the circumstances surrounding their presence on the property.
Officials did not identify a threat to the public during the incident and no threat remains associated with the materials recovered from the property or the property itself.
The Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office extended its appreciation to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Hays County Office of Emergency Services, Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC), Austin Police Department Bomb Squad and ATF Austin Field Office for their professionalism, specialized expertise and assistance throughout the incident.
“We also extend our sincere appreciation to Hays County CERT for providing rehabilitation and support to the personnel working throughout the operation and to Hays County ESD No. 4/Wimberley Fire Rescue for providing fire protection standby,” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra added, “We are extremely grateful for the professionalism and assistance of every agency and individual involved.”
