Agitated Suspect at Crash Site Made a Bomb Threat

SAN ANGELO, TX – The crash on U.S. 67 north of San Angelo that blocked traffic for hours included a bomb threat according to the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office.  

On Thursday, July 29, 2021, at approximately 10:07 am, an emergency call was placed to the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office in regard to a black SUV driving southbound in the northbound lane of traffic on North US Highway 67. 

Moments later, the vehicle collided with a UPS delivery truck causing both vehicles to careen off of the roadway as the result of the apparent accident.  Sheriff's deputies of the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office arrived and identified the driver of the SUV as Richard Hill, 55 YOA, of San Antonio. 

During the ensuing investigation, Hill made statements to deputies that he had intentionally caused the collision, and further that there was a bomb inside his vehicle.  As a result of the bomb threat, an EOD detachment from Dyess Air Force Base and the Abilene Police Department bomb squad were requested to respond. 

Both lanes of US Highway 67 were closed as a precautionary measure and remained closed throughout the du ration of the event.  No explosives were located inside the vehicle of Hill.  Both Hill and the driver of the UPS truck were transported to Shannon Hospital and released. 

Mr. Hill was placed under arrest on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and is currently in the Tom Green County Detention Center.  US Highway 67 was reopened at approximately 3:46 PM this afternoon.  This currently an active investigation by the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office and additional charges may be forthcoming.  

The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office would like to express its appreciation to the Abilene Police Department, Dyess Air Force Base, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Department of Transportation for their assistance.