Federal agents shut down a bomb-making operation in San Antonio on Friday, arresting a career criminal accused of using homemade explosives to violently breach ATM machines at local banks. Authorities say the suspect, Dustin Jay Ammons, constructed pipe bombs and carried out multiple attacks that posed serious risks to public safety.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives arrested Ammons after executing a search warrant at a north San Antonio residence. ATF officials stated the raid uncovered an active explosives lab inside the home, along with firearms and materials consistent with the manufacturing of high-powered bombs. The operation involved coordination with the FBI, San Antonio Police Department, and the Bexar County Fire Department.
According to the Department of Justice, Ammons is suspected of targeting external ATM machines at two San Antonio-area banks on September 12 and September 26. In both incidents, pipe bombs were allegedly used to blast open the machines. Investigators linked the explosions to Ammons after identifying chemical residue and vehicle descriptions that matched evidence from the crime scenes.
During the raid, agents discovered bomb-making components in Ammons’ garage, including materials consistent with Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate, commonly known as PETN. PETN is a powerful explosive often associated with military and industrial applications. Authorities also located parts of a pipe bomb inside a vehicle parked at the residence, which matched the description of a vehicle tied to the earlier robberies.
In addition to explosives, agents recovered multiple weapons from the home. These included a .40 caliber pistol found in a closet and a short-barreled 9mm rifle. Due to Ammons’ criminal history, federal prosecutors say he is prohibited from possessing firearms under current law.
Court records show Ammons has a long history of serious property crimes across multiple states. In 2014, he pleaded guilty in Texas to stealing more than $127,000 in diamonds and watches from a Costco in San Antonio. The crime involved breaching a wall to access the store, bypassing motion sensors, and shattering jewelry cases. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay restitution.
In 2021, Ammons was arrested again in Florida after sheriff’s deputies found him and another suspect on the roof of a Best Buy store in Brandon. Authorities recovered burglary tools, empty duffel bags, and a ladder. Ropes had been lowered into the building, suggesting an attempted break-in that was interrupted by law enforcement.
Federal prosecutors say Ammons is now charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas stated that Ammons faces up to 15 years in federal prison if convicted.
The case underscores growing concerns about repeat offenders, explosives-related crimes, and the ongoing threat posed to communities when violent criminals remain active.
