Arrest Affidavit Of Former West Volunteer Bryce Ashley Reed Indicates He Was In Possession Of Pipe Bomb Ingredients

We’re learning more about the case of the volunteer West paramedic arrested earlier this month for the possession of a destructive device.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, former EMS volunteer Bryce Ashley Reed was found to have been in possession of parts commonly found in pipe bombs. You can read that affidavit here. Items included a short galvanized pipe with end caps attached, a hobby fuse, coils of metal ribbon and bags of chemical powders. The items were contained in a box Reed allegedly stored in an Abbott residence.

Mr. Reed was released from his volunteer post shortly after the explosion of the West Fertilizer Plant along with several other volunteers until their mental condition following the trauma of the blast could be determined. Mr. Reed has plead not guilty in this case and will have a hearing on Wednesday.

Last week, officials announced that the Texas Rangers and the McLennan County Sheriff's Department would open a criminal probe into the blast. There was no indication that that probe is related to Reed’s arrest. Rather, it is standard procedure.