The suspect had carried out a bombing campaign for three weeks, according to police
ADVERTISEMENTThe suspected serial bomber for the recent blasts in Texas has blown himself up, as police closed in on him.
Police tracked the 24-year-old to a car at a hotel near Austin and were following him when he pulled to the side of the road and detonated a device, killing himself.
Two police officers approached the vehicle when the device went off, injuring one of them. One officer fired at the vehicle.
Austin Police Chief Brian Manley told reporters near the scene, "The vehicle ended up stopping on the side of the road behind us. As Members of the police department started to approach the vehicle, the suspect detonated a bomb inside the vehicle, knocking one of our SWAT officer's back and one of our SWAT officers fire at the suspect as well. The suspect is deceased."
Five explosions this month have killed two people and severely injured four others since March 2.
The bombings began with parcels left on doorsteps, then continued with a bomb apparently set off by a tripwire on Sunday and two packages that detonated at FedEx Corp facilities on Tuesday.
Residents were urged to treat packages with suspicion and not let their guard down.
The recent blast at a Goodwill shop in Austin is not related to the series of bombs as it was caused by an "incendiary device", which injured one man and nearby shops were evacuated.