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White Settlement police foil plot involving explosives
A man who police believed intended to carry out an attack on his relative's White Settlement home in November with firearms and explosive devices has been arrested on charges relating to the case. Investigators believe he was searching other locations, including places of worship.
WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas - A man who police believed intended to carry out an attack on his relative's White Settlement home in November with firearms and explosive devices has been arrested on charges relating to the case. Investigators believe he was searching other locations, including places of worship.
According to the White Settlement Police Department, 33-year-old Tino Napoleon Ross was released from a facility in the Wichita Falls area on Wednesday and immediately arrested on charges related to possession of improvised explosive devices and firearms.
Officials say Ross had been confined since the morning of the incident in White Settlement.
Man in van filled with guns and explosives had 'intentions to cause harm': White Settlement police
Investigators are trying to determine why a man had several guns and explosive devices in a van he parked in a White Settlement neighborhood. Police say there were "intentions to cause harm."
IEDs found in suspicious vehicle
The backstory:
Investigators believe on November 26, 2024, before 6 a.m., a neighbor reported a suspicious vehicle in the 9200 block of Jason Lane. When police arrived, they found a white passenger van with Ross in the driver's seat.
As officers approached, they saw he had a handgun in his lap. As they started to talk to him, investigators say the officers realized the man was experiencing a mental health issue. Police were able to safely grab the man and remove him from the van. Police say he was immediately detained.
During the investigation, investigators saw what they believed was an improvised explosive device on the front passenger seat, and a second explosive device in the back of the van. Other police agencies responded and the Fort Worth Bomb Squad confirmed the devices were IEDs. An additional rifle and AR-style pistol were found, in addition to the handgun, police say.
Investigation reaches Oklahoma
Dig deeper:
The Texas Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) helped with the investigation by conducting a search warrant at Ross's home in Oklahoma. They say they seized materials that were used to manufacture the IEDs.
The FBI Dallas Joint Terrorism Task force helped with the interview of the suspect at the scene and helped with the preparation of arrest warrants.
What they're saying:
Police Chief Christopher Cook says Ross drove to Texas from Oklahoma to execute his plan.
"He had a handgun in his lap, he had a rifle with a collapsible stock between the driver seat and the center console," said Cook.
According to the chief, Ross's alleged plans were premeditated.
"Specifically the investigation led detectives to believe he was intent on setting a home on fire that morning. And as the home was going to be set on fire, he was going to discharge firearms into the house."
Cook commented on what they believe Ross's motive might have been.
"He’s got family members he was angry with that resided on that street," said Cook. "The perception somehow that they were against him. We further believe based on his own admissions, based upon the search warrants that we executed, he was angry with places of worship across North Texas."
According to Cook, Ross had further plans after his first allegedly planned crime.
"It appeared he was also trying to flee the country, meaning when he got done with what he was going to do on Jason Lane, when he got done with whatever he was going to do at these places of worship, he was trying to figure out how to get to China," said Cook.
Cook says the quick actions of bystanders and responders likely prevented multiple crimes planned by Ross.
"I fully believe, based upon our officers, based upon that neighbor that made an honorable decision to notify us, to say something was out of the norm in her neighborhood, based upon the subsequent investigation detectives did, our partnering agencies did, that this incredible work that we saved lives that day," Cook said. "We probably not only saved lives on that street but we probably saved lives at other areas in North Texas."
What's next:
Ross is facing charges of possession of prohibited weapons, unlawful carrying of weapons, and resisting arrest, search or transportation. He is currently booked into the Wichita County Jail with combined bonds set at $151,000, and a federal hold without bond. He will eventually be moved to the Tarrant County Jail.
The White Settlement Police Department is planning to hold a news conference on Friday morning to release new information in the case.
The Source: Information in this article is from the White Settlement Police Department.