San Antonio Pipe Bomb Case Leads to Arrest, Federal Charges

Federal agents arrested 34 year old Dustin Jay Ammons on December 12, following an investigation into two pipe bomb placements at external automated teller machines in San Antonio in September. Court filings allege Ammons placed explosives at ATMs on September 12 and September 26, and a field analysis of white powder residue found near the machines detected PentaErythritolTetraNitrate, commonly known as PETN.

The search warrant executed on December 12 was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the San Antonio Fire Department Arson Bureau, the San Antonio Police Department, the Bexar County Fire Department, Bexar County Fire Marshals and Bexar County Emergency Management. Agents reportedly recovered a .40 caliber pistol in a closet, parts and components of a pipe bomb inside a vehicle that matched the suspect vehicle from the September incidents, and supplies in a garage consistent with making PETN and other homemade explosives. The complaint also alleges multiple suspected destructive devices in various stages of manufacture and a 9mm rifle with a short barrel.

Ammons faces federal charges including felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered destructive device. He previously was convicted for possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison, with sentencing to be determined by a federal judge after consideration of sentencing guidelines and statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka for the Western District of Texas. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons announced the charges. The ATF continues to investigate with assistance from the FBI and the San Antonio Police Department.

For Val Verde County residents the case is a reminder of how incidents in larger Texas cities can prompt heightened regional law enforcement activity and public safety messaging. Residents who encounter suspicious packages or devices should call 911 and avoid approaching unknown items. The U.S. attorney office provided an inquiry contact at USATXW.MediaInquiry@usdoj.gov for media questions about the prosecution.