Officials Search For Man Taking Pictures At Area Refineries

TEXAS CITY, Texas -- Officials are searching for a man who took photographs of Houston-area refineries over the weekend, News2Houston reported.

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Mysterious Visitor Concerns Texas City Residents, Officials

Investigators said a security guard spotted the man snapping suspicious photos at two plants Saturday evening.

He drove away in a white van before anyone could ask what he was doing, according to authorities.

Law enforcement officials have been trying to track down the man for questioning.

“We’d like to know what his or her intentions were. Given the events of 9/11, we routinely check these things out,” said Bruce Clawson, the Texas City Homeland Security director.

Clawson said the fascination with refineries is nothing new.

“It has occurred in the past. They’ve all been benign. Individuals misunderstand what’s going on in the industry. We’ve actually had an artist take a picture at one point,” Clawson said.

While shooting video for the story, News2Houston was stopped by police after security called.

“Anytime we have some suspicious vehicles here, we try to get down here fast to see what’s going on,” the officer said.

It is not against the law to take pictures of refineries from roadways or highways, but Clawson said it is not encouraged. Anyone who does take pictures should prepare to be questioned.

Residents were uneasy to hear about the man taking pictures.

“Sure I would be concerned. I live here and drive right by (the plant),” said Willie Sandles, a Texas City resident.

“I work at one of the docks. I’m a truck driver and I’m always concerned about it, sure,” said Ramon Perez, a Texas City resident.

During the July Fourth weekend, ExxonMobil tightened security at its Baytown refinery after a general warning about possible terrorist activity.