Authorities tracked down Austin serial bombing suspect Mark Anthony Conditt, 24, using a combination ofĀ cell phone triangulation technology, surveillance footage from a FedEx drop-off store, store receipts, and combing through Google searches on the suspect’s computer history.
Experts also examined the remains of the detonated bombs and discovered the bomber was using “exotic” Asia-made batteries, NBC News reports.
All this evidence led law enforcement to the suspect.
Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said in an early morning press conference that witness reports helped police identify the vehicle Conditt was driving. Manley said surveillance teams then tracked the suspect’s vehicle to a hotel in Round Rock, Texas.Ā
“We had multiple officers from bothĀ the police department and our federal partners that took up positions around the hotel awaiting the arrival of tactical teams,” Manley said. “We wanted to have ballistic vehicles here so we could attempt to take the suspect into custody.”Ā
Manley said that while authorities waited for the ballistic vehicles, the suspectĀ started to drive away from the hotel. Authorities followed the vehicle, which pulled off into a ditch.Ā
“AsĀ members of the Austin police department SWAT team approached the vehicle, the suspect detonated a bomb inside the vehicle, knocking one of our SWATĀ officers back, and one of our SWAT officers firedĀ at the suspect as well,” Manley said.Ā
Manley said authorities still do not know the motive for the bombings, USA Today reports.Ā
Authorities also warn that the suspect may have placed or sent more bombs that could still present a threat.
Searches of residences associated with the suspect in the Austin suburb of Pflugerville, TX, have yielded bomb making components, including some of the explosive material he reportedly used. Law enforcement evacuated the area for five blocks around one of the homes.
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