On 6/19/2019 a member of the New Life Church in Pinehurst, TX called 911 after finding what he believed to be an improvised explosive device attached to one of the church doors. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the church and secured the area.
Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technicians from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office Bomb Squad were called to respond to the scene. MCFMO and HPD Bomb Squad Technicians worked together to examine the device and were able to determine that although the device was built to resemble an IED, it did not contain any explosive material.
MCFMO Investigators identified Loyd Noack as a person of interest in the investigation. An interview of Noack revealed that he had placed the device on the back door of the church and stated that it wasn’t currently a bomb but could be utilized to set off explosives.
After consulting with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the suspect was arrested for building and placing the Hoax Bomb, a class A misdemeanor offense. The investigation into the suspect’s motive continues at this time.