Texas man indicted in abortion clinic bomb case

HOUSTON (Reuters) - A Texas man has been indicted on charges he attempted last month to bomb an Austin women's clinic where abortions are performed, authorities said on Tuesday.

A federal grand jury in Austin charged Paul Evans, 27, with five criminal counts, including attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton said in a statement.

"Upon conviction, Evans faces a possible life sentence," the statement said.

Police found and defused a homemade bomb loaded with 2 pounds of nails in the parking lot of the Austin Women's Health Center on April 25.

Had it exploded, authorities said it could have killed or badly injured anyone within 100 feet of it.

Evans, who Sutton said had previous convictions for aggravated robbery and burglary, was linked to the bomb and arrested on April 27. He is being held without bail while awaiting trial.

Authorities have not said why they think the bomb was planted.

The other charges against Evans include malicious attempt to damage a building and property by means of explosive and fire, possession of a destructive device by a convicted felon and two counts of use and carrying of a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence.