Suspect in Amarillo Explosion Deemed 'Danger to the Community'

A man accused of causing an explosion at a home in South Amarillo is facing federal and state charges.

Thirty-two year-old Efran Salmanzadeh faces a federal charge of one count of possession of a destructive device. He was also charged by the state with possession of components of explosives, a third degree felony.

The explosion occurred last Monday, July 26, just after 4 p.m. at a home in the 3600 block of Lenwood Drive. The Amarillo Fire Department responded immediately and found materials used to make explosives. Shortly after, the Amarillo Police Department and bomb squad responded. Upon arrival, Salmanzadeh was arrested.

A total of fourteen homes were evacuated in the surrounding area while authorities looked for evidence. Materials used in bomb-making were found in the alley, backyard, and inside the residence, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah:

"Mr. Salmanzadeh had absolutely no business handling unregistered destructive devices. We believe this defendant is a danger to the community and must be kept behind bars," Shah said.

Salmanzadeh was booked into the Randall County Jail. If convicted, Salmanzadeh faces up to ten years in prison.

"The FBI is committed to protecting our communities from harm and working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt violent activity. This defendant allegedly possessed a device with the potential to cause significant damage or injury to innocent people," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno.

The investigation was spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office along with the Amarillo Police Department’s Bomb Squad, with assistance from the North Texas Joint Terrorism Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Amarillo Fire Department.

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