AUSTIN, Texas — Federal authorities on Nov. 5 arrested a convicted felon in Austin who is suspected of possessing a firearm and destructive device.
While executing a search warrant in 38-year-old Erich Wittwer's home, FBI agents found a .308 caliber semi-automatic assault rifle and a homemade destructive device, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO).
Online records show Wittwer lives in Austin's Colony, near Wickham Lane and Cottingham Drive.
According to the USAO and Texas Department of Public Safety records KVUE obtained, he was convicted in 2009 for two counts of assault causing bodily injury/family violence, both felonies.
He was also convicted in 1993 for possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor, and DWI in 2007, also a misdemeanor.
As of Thursday evening, Wittwer remained in federal custody.
The USAO did not share why a search warrant was executed at his home.
Members with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Travis County Sheriff's Office are assisting the FBI.
On. Nov. 17, a grand jury indicted Wittwer, charging him with one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device and one count of being a prohibited person, namely a convicted felon, in possession of a firearm.
Officials said they found seven firearms, including five pistols, one 12 gauge shotgun and the .308 caliber semi-automatic assault rifle in his home.
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