AUSTIN -- As police investigate three recent package explosions at Austin-area homes, two of which were fatal, officials have increased the reward amount from $15,000 to $115,000 for anyone with information about the explosions. Police are stressing the importance of the public's help in finding who's responsible for these crimes.
On March 12, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had announced that the Office of the Governor's Criminal Justice Division is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for any information leading to the identification and arrest of the person or persons involved. To be eligible for the reward, tips must be submitted to Texas Crime Stoppers in one of the following ways:
- Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Text the letters "DPS" followed by your tip to 274637 (CRIMES)
- Submit a web tip through the website
- Submit a tip through the DPS Mobile App
On March 13, Austin Police Chief Brian Manley added $50,000 as an additional award. Then, on March 18, police raised that by another $50,000 -- bringing the total to $115,000. Tips can be made to police at 512-472-TIPS (8477).
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Police said if you see a suspicious package anywhere, do not touch it, stand as clear as possible and call 9-1-1 immediately.
As of March 18, police did not give any suspect or vehicle descriptions in regards to the three package explosions in the span of 10 days, which they believe to be related.
On March 18, Austin police said more than 500 federal agents are assisting in the investigation, 435 leads have been called in, 236 individuals have been interviewed, and 735 suspicious package calls have been responded to. Police said they will continue to follow up on every lead and will leave no stone unturned.