Would-be church attacker arrested upon release from medical facility, Texas cops say
A man who last November told North Texas police he planned to attack a church has been arrested and faces numerous charges, authorities said Thursday.
Tino Napoleon Ross, 33, was detained after police in White Settlement found improvised explosives, guns and ammunition in his van during a traffic stop last fall, the Star-Telegram reported at the time.
Ross was arrested Wednesday after he was released from a medical facility in Wichita Falls, police said in a news release. He has been charged with possession of prohibited weapons, unlawfully carrying weapons, and resisting arrest, search or transportation, police said.
Investigators believe Ross planned to attack a relative’s home in White Settlement and that he was researching other locations, including places of worship, to attack, according to the statement.
Officials with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms conducted a search at Ross’ home in Oklahoma and seized materials that were used to build the explosive devices, police said.
The ATF is evaluating the case for federal review that could result in additional charges, according to the statement. The FBI Dallas Joint Terrorism Task Force also helped with the investigation and interviewed the suspect.
White Settlement police initially responded to the 9200 block of Jason Lane at about 5:30 a.m. on Nov. 26, 2024, after receiving a call from a neighbor about a suspicious vehicle, the Star-Telegram previously reported.
When police arrived, they found Ross experiencing a mental health crisis. He had a handgun in his lap, officials said at the time. A search of the van revealed the IEDs and other weapons including a rifle and an AR-style pistol, police said.
Ross is being held in Wichita Falls and will eventually be transported to the Tarrant County Jail.
White Settlement police will hold a news conference on Friday to release video and more details from the investigation.
This story was originally published May 22, 2025 at 6:27 PM.
