Texas Paramedic Arrested For Possession Of 'Destructive Device'

Bryce Reed, an Emergency Medical Services worker in West, Texas, was arrested early Friday on a charge of possession of a destructive device.

A reporter at news station WFAA in Texas tweeted that Reed is accused of possessing bomb-making materials.

Reed was a first responder in last month's fertilizer plant explosion in the small town about 80 miles south of Dallas.

The cause of the fire and resulting blast is still under investigation, and local news station KWTX says there is so far no indication that Reed's arrest is connected to the explosion that killed 14 people and injured about 200 others. Many of those who died in the blast were first responders.

The AP is reporting that authorities have no evidence connecting Reed to the explosion. The news outlet cites a criminal complaint that says police were called to a home near West, Texas earlier this week and they found a pipe, chemicals and fuses that belonged to Reed.

A "destructive device" commonly refers to a bomb or grenade, but can also refer to other types of devices. Reed's neighbor told a local news station that he reported Reed to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms after Reed said he made a pipe bomb.

Reed was close to a man, Cyrus Reed, who died in the explosion. Some media outlets report that Cyrus is Bryce's brother and others say he's Bryce's close friend.

Reed talked to multiple media oulets — including the Los Angeles Times and CNN — after the explosion. He spoke extensively with The Dallas Morning News about his experience with the tragedy and his difficulty coping afterward.