Suspicious Chemicals Scare West Odessa
By: Monica Tassoni
Updated: March 3, 2011
Officials received an anonymous tip of suspicious substances and responded to a house on Moss and Tomahawk around 2 PM Thursday. they observed what is called a precursor, meaning if the chemicals were mixed, the concoction could be explosive. Officials swiftly obtained a warrant and began searching the property and the street filled up quickly.
"We thought someone was getting pulled over at first," said Andy Carrasco, who was working near the scene. "And then we noticed one after another and then we noticed crime scene units out here."
"We had Ector County Sheriff's Office, Odessa Police Deaprtment Bomb Squad, Texas Rangers, Hazmat and FBI," said Sgt. Gary
Duesler of the Ector County Sheriff's Office. "We are working together."
A team went in to survey the house and take pictures. A first analysis of the situation was made. Then a second team went into the home to re-evaluate the property.
"Here, another set of eyes gives you a better perspective," said Sgt. Duesler.
After each analysis was finished, all agencies concluded that the chemicals found on the property were not being used for a violent purpose.
“Final testing shows that weren't being used in a manner that would indicate they were being used as an explosive," said Matt Espenshade of the FBI. "Because of that, we confirmed that he isn't a danger to himself or the community. And so we are going to release the scene."
Trucks pulled away and crews cleaned up, but they were pleased with their work.
"We believe we did the right thing in just trying to determine if this was danger to the community," said Espenshade.
The homeowner was described as a white male in his 40's. He was not taken into custody, but he was given a mental evaluation.
