San Angelo Felon Arrested After Explosive Devices Found in Home

SAN ANGELO, TX – The Abilene Bomb Squad was called into Grape Creek earlier this week after a search warrant found three bombs in a felon's home.

According to court documents, on Apr. 19, 2023, Rene Leija, 44, of San Angelo, was arrested by Tom Green County Sheriff Deputies for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of explosive components. 

Prior to the arrest TGCSO deputies had gotten a number of calls regarding shots fired around the area of the 6700 block of Grape Creek Road. After evidence was compiled it was determined that Leija had been walking the area, with a rifle, and was shooting off rounds.

Leijia has had countless run ins with the Sheriff's Office. Most recently he was arrested for a parole violation in Apr. 2020. With this information, the deputies knew that he was not permitted to own or use a firearm.

A search warrant was issued on Leijia's home. Once inside, officers found the weapon as well as three explosive devices. The Abilene Bomb Squad was called in to handle the situation. The three 10 inch wide PVC pipes were filled with .22 caliber projectiles and black powder. 

The bomb squad handed over the bombs to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for additional testing. Once those tests are done, federal charges could be added.

As of Friday afternoon Leija remained in the jail on a $125,000 bond.