Detectives: Gun-store buys led to Abdo

WACO, Texas (AP) — A soldier accused of planning to bomb a Texas restaurant frequented by troops was detained by police who were tracking a person based on suspicious gun store purchases but didn't know his name.

A Killeen police detective testified Wednesday at the federal trial of Pfc. Naser Jason Abdo, detained at a Fort Hood-area motel last July.

Police Sgt. Eric Bradley told jurors officers went to the motel after receiving tips about a man's suspicious activities the previous day — including buying an Army uniform with a "Smith" name patch.

But during cross examination, Bradley said police chose not to do surveillance on the motel after receiving the initial tips.

Abdo faces up to life in prison if convicted of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and other charges.