Full Notification

Investigators have arrested and charged a 45-year-old man for placing an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on an ATM in north Harris County.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, members of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office North District Tactical Unit, Violent Crime Unit, Auto Theft Unit and Bomb Squad served an arrest warrant for Thomas Moschella (01/07/1974), at his residence in the 16800 block of Brooktondale Ct, in northwest Harris County Texas.

On Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at approximately 4:00 a.m., patrol deputies responded to an in progress call for service at the Wells Fargo bank located at 8808 Spring Cypress Rd.

Deputies observed where an unknown suspect placed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the ATM in an attempt to gain entry into the vault located inside the machine.

At some point during the installation of the device, the suspect fled the scene in a black colored vehicle prior to deputies arriving on scene.

During the investigation, a finger print was recovered from the device, and through fingerprint analysis the individual was identified as Moschella.

He is now charged with possession of prohibited weapon IED and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, after more than 60 grams of methamphetamine were seized.

Investigators also recovered a 2019 Audi Q8 SUV that was reported stolen to the Houston Police Department.

Also assisting in the arrest were members of the MAGTF, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division.