I-35, Austin Serial Bomber's Last Stand, Now Huge Crime Scene

AUSTIN, TX — Motorists should avoid Interstate 35 all the way to Georgetown Wednesday, which is now a massive crime scene after the suspect in a string of bombings that terrorized Austin blew himself up early this morning.

The artery is closed as police investigate the scene. The closure area is lengthy along I-35, between FM 3406 and U.S. 79, transportation officials said. Officials have closed the southbound lanes of Interstate 35 near Old Settlers Boulevard as their investigation continues into the serial bombing suspect who's now dead.

For their part, Round Rock police have closed the section of I-35 from Old Settlers to U.S. 79 for the next several hours. Suggested alternative paths include southbound routes through U.S. 183, Texas 130 and Chisholm Trail.

Despite the major closure, Round Rock Independent School District schools will operate on a normal schedule, officials said, but the district will excuse students who are late because of the traffic congestion. Officials at nearby Meridian School at 2555 North I-35 in Round Rock, a stone's throw away from the earlier crossfire, will delay classes until 10 a.m., officials said.

Related story: Austin Bombing Suspect Blows Self Up In Vehicle

Residents in the region, however, will likely opt to endure a traffic snarl than the nightmare that has descended upon the city since the bombings began March 2. Early Wednesday, law enforcement officials tracked down the suspect's vehicle to a hotel near Round Rock. As police closed in and SWAT members approached, the suspect — described only as a 24-year-old white man whose name is being withheld until his family is notified of his death — blew himself up.

Police say the man detonated a bomb in his car as police closed in. Interim Police Chief Brian Manley said the investigation continues, but "we believe this individual is responsible for all of the incidents in Austin."

The city has been gripped in fear since March 2 when the bombings began, killing two and injuring half-a-dozen others. As the incidents progressed, so did their unpredictability. Whereas the first parcel bombs were triggered when their unsuspecting recipients handled them, the fourth bombing last Sunday was triggered via a tripwire. Then police discovered packages at a pair of area FedEx ground stations.

There may still be packages out there that the serial bomber left behind, ready to detonate and harm, maim or kill an unsuspecting resident. Manley and other police are urging residents to continue being vigilant because "we do not know where (the suspect) has been in the past 24 hours, he said.

Manley, a man who's seen his share of sleepless nights agonizing over the violence overtaking the city since the month began, struck a note of gratitude Wednesday morning: "I can't thank the men and women of Austin PD or our federal partners enough for their tireless work in restoring peace to our community," he tweeted.

School will operate on a normal schedule, but late arrivals due to traffic will be excused.
— Round Rock ISD (@RoundRockISD) March" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/RoundRockI... 21, 2018

Below is an interactive map illustrating the various parts of the city where bombs detonated before the suspect killed himself. The map has been revised to include the spot where he detonated his final bomb, putting an end to his activities.

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>>> Photo: Law enforcement officials investigate at the location where the suspected package bomber was killed in suburban Austin on March 21, 2018 in Round Rock, Texas. The 24-year-old suspect blew himself up inside his car as police approached the vehicle. A massive search had been underway by local and federal law enforcement officials in Austin and the surrounding area after several package bombs had detonated in recent weeks, killing two people and injuring several others. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)