Explosives discovered Thursday on the property of a Wimberley man who drowned in Canyon Lake Aug. 30 were safely detonated by authorities.
Law enforcement was tipped off around 8:30 a.m. Thursday by a call to the Hays County Combined Emergency Communications Center (CECC) informing them of the discovery of suspected military-type and homemade explosive material at a property in the 2700 block of Fischer Store Road near Wimberley.
Investigators determined that Robert Allen Chapman, 40, had previously lived as a tenant at the location where they found the items.
Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Hays County Office of Emergency Services conducted an initial assessment, Hays County Fire Marshal Jake Vierra said in a statement.
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.
After a detailed assessment, specialists determined controlled detonations were the safest and most appropriate method.
Responding agencies coordinated with a nearby property owner to use an open field for the safe transport and remediation of the materials.
Responders completed the controlled detonations as part of the remediation process.
Circumstances surrounding Chapman’s drowning are under investigation by the Comal County Sheriff’s Office.
His body was discovered in Canyon Lake near Canyon Park Road on the north side of the lake.