Texas Bomb Lab Raid: Career Criminal Behind ATM Pipe Blasts Arrested, Say Feds
Federal agents arrested career criminal Dustin Jay Ammons in San Antonio for operating a bomb-making lab linked to violent ATM robberies using homemade pipe bombs. The ATF, alongside the FBI and local police, executed a search warrant at Ammons' home, uncovering explosives and firearms, including equipment to produce Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN). Ammons is implicated in robberies that occurred in September targeting ATMs at two banks. With a lengthy criminal history, including prior theft convictions, he now faces serious federal charges, potentially leading to a 15-year prison sentence. Legal proceedings are expected to commence soon as authorities continue investigating his criminal activities.
Dive Deeper:
The ATM robberies occurred on September 12 and September 26, where explosives were used to breach the ATMs in San Antonio.
During the raid, agents found a .40 caliber pistol, a short-barreled 9mm rifle, and bomb-making supplies in Ammons' home, confirming his involvement in illegal activities.
Ammons' criminal record includes a 2014 conviction for stealing over $127,000 in diamonds and watches from a Costco, which resulted in a seven-year prison sentence.
In 2021, he was arrested in Florida while attempting to burglarize a Best Buy, further emphasizing his ongoing criminal behavior.
Due to his felony status, Ammons faces charges for possession of a firearm and an unregistered destructive device, which could lead to a substantial prison term.
The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the ATF, FBI, and local police, indicating the seriousness of the threats posed by Ammons' activities.
Authorities are continuing to assess the full scope of Ammons' operations as they prepare for upcoming legal actions.