Texas bombing suspect blows himself up as police close in

An unemployed 24-year-old man suspected of a three-week bombing campaign in Texas that killed two people and injured five others blew himself up on the side of a highway as police closed in on him early Wednesday, authorities said.

CNN identified the suspect as Mark Anthony Conditt, according to a source with direct involvement in the investigation.

He was tracked to a hotel about 20 miles (32 km) north of Austin, the state capital. While officers waited for reinforcements before arresting him, the suspect left the hotel and police were following his vehicle when he pulled to the side of the road and detonated a device, killing himself, Austin Police Chief Brian Manley told reporters near the scene.

Two Austin police officers approached his vehicle when he set off his device. One officer fired at the vehicle and the other sustained a minor injury when the bomb went off, Manley said.

Manley said the suspect was believed to be responsible for six bombs around Austin, all but one of which detonated. He said the motivation for the bombings or whether the suspect had help was not yet known.
US President Donald Trump congratulated authorities on Twitter: “Great job by law enforcement and all concerned!”

REUTERS