Lufkin Apartment Evacuated after Bomb Making Materials Discovered

According to a release this morning from the Lufkin Police Department, six units at the Silver Creek Apartments were evacuated early this morning after Lufkin Police officers discovered bomb-making materials while responding to a call.

Components but no actual device were found inside apartment No. 206 following a welfare check around 5:30 p.m. Monday due to water dripping from that apartment into a downstairs unit. The welfare check was in regard to water dripping from the apartment into the unit below. Officers arrived to find that a resident was washing clothes in the bath tub and had left the water running which overfilled the bath tub. While at his apartment they noticed what they believed to be methamphetamine lab components and contacted the Special Services Division, which led to the search warrant and the ATF being called.

Patrol officers took two male suspects into custody – one on drug charges and the other on warrants. One of those suspects has been identified as Matt Hopper, 37, of Lufkin.  Hopper was in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and numerous prescription drugs in addition to the materials consistent with bomb making. ATF agents are still investigating and additional charges are pending.

The additional person arrested is Daniel Scott Standley, 36, of Lufkin, on a warrant for theft.

The Special Services Division was called and a search warrant was obtained. Upon searching the apartment, Special Services Division investigators discovered that the items in question were actually bomb-making components and contacted the Bureau of Alcohol,  Tobacco and Firearms.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are evacuating the units in that building until the ATF can complete its investigation," Police Chief David Thomas said.

This is a breaking story and more details will be released when they become available.

The video above is of the Garland Police Department bomb squad and agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigate the scene at Silver Creek apartment complex early Tuesday morning, where Lufkin Police officers found materials consistent with bomb making late Monday night.