Austin Police Chief Brian Manley says the bomb that exploded on a trail head of Gaines Creek Park in southwest Austin last night is the product of the same person who has delivered three package bombs to homes in east Austin, killing two people, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"We have seen similarities in the device that exploded here last night, and the three devices which have exploded in Austin starting on March 2," Manley said.
He says the bomb that exploded last night, injuring two people, was detonated by trip wire, and shows a 'level of sophisitication' higher than the package bombs which killed two people in east Austin.
"The fact that we are now dealing with someone who is using trip wires shows a higher level of sophistication, a higher level of skill."
He says the victim of last night's bombing were two Anglo males, which may move police away from the theory that African Americans who were active in an east Austin church may have been targeted.
More than 500 federal officers are on the ground in Austin working on this specific case, and rewards totaling $115,000 are waiting for the citizen who helps them crack the case.
Manley also urged people who live in the neighborhood near the park where last night's bomb went off to make any video available to police so they can examine it for signs of a suspicious person or vehicle. He says the neighborhood will remain locked down by police until this afternoon.
"Is this terrorism, is this hate related?" Manley asked. "We are clearly dealing with what we expect to be a serial bomber at this point. So far we don't see a specific ideology at this point."
He says last night's bombing shows a 'change in the method' the suspect is using.
"What we have seen now is a significant change to what appeared to be three very targeted attacks to last night's attack, which would have hit any random person who happened to walk by."
PHOTO COURTESY; SPECTRUM NEWS