Former West Paramedic Bryce Reed Freed On Bond

A former West paramedic arrested for the possession of bomb-making materials and an unregistered firearm is free today, but still faces trial.

Bryce Reed was arrested on May 9 just weeks after the explosion of the West fertilizer plant on April 17. At a Thursday hearing, U.S. Magistrate Jeffrey C. Manske set a $25,000 unsecured bond for Reed and set conditions on his release. Under those conditions, Reed must live with his mother while continuing to undergo medical and psychiatric treatment. He must also undergo substance abuse therapy and submit to substance abuse screenings.

Reed’s arrest came after a box belonging to him and containing the ingredients for a pipe bomb were found in a friend’s home in Hill County. Another box contained marijuana, and a search of Reed’s computer turned up instructions for homemade explosives. According to testimony from ATF agent Dan Jones, authorities became suspicious of Reed after his estranged wife mentioned that he and a volunteer firefighter killed in the blast enjoyed working with explosives in their spare time. However, an investigation conducted by Texas Rangers found no evidence linking Reed to the explosion in West, and no reference to the blast was made during Thursday’s hearing.

Jury selection in Reed’s trial is set to begin September 23.