Explosive Devices Found in Truck After Arrest

A knife-wielding truck driver arrested for assault last week in Schulenburg had a surprise waiting in his truck.

When police searched his 18-wheeler following the arrest, they found multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The incident happened last Thursday, Nov. 14. Schulenburg Police received a call around 8 p.m. reporting an assault at the Pilot Truck Stop, located at the northeast corner of US 77 and Interstate 10.

A report from the police department said officers arrived and spoke to the victim, who said a man ran up to him, assaulted him, and attempted to stab him with a knife. Officers located the suspect, 51-year-old Juan Ortiz of Arizona. The report said Ortiz was in possession of a knife and methamphetamine.

The officers arrested him for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, along with possession of a controlled substance. Ortiz was transported and jailed at the Dan R. Beck Justice Center in La Grange.

Following the arrest, the officers searched Ortiz’s 18-wheeler. Inside, they found several IEDs.

“(The suspect) told us they were just fireworks,” said Schulenburg Police Chief Troy Brenek. “But Sgt. Roggenkamp knew they weren’t just fireworks.”

Police contacted the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Brenek said the devices were made from legal fireworks that were strapped together with duct tape. He said the ATF x-rayed one of the devices and found a shotgun shell inside. Brenek said the ATF took possession of the IEDs and launched an investigation into federal violations.