PHOENIX — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Phoenix Field Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas Atteberry today announces a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the recent criminal bombings in Glendale and Phoenix, Arizona. ATF, FBI, Glendale Police Department, and the Phoenix Police Department are currently investigating these incidents.
Three Victim-Operated Improvised Explosive Devices (VOIEDs), contained within yellow plastic 6-volt handheld flashlights, exploded when victims found these apparently discarded items and tried the on/off switches in order to determine if the flashlights worked. Two of these incidents took place in Glendale, Arizona, on May 13 and May 14, 2012. The other incident took place in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 24, 2012. Five people received minor injuries related to the detonation of these three (3) devices. Further details about the IEDs will be withheld to avoid compromising the criminal investigation.
• May 13, 2012, Glendale, Arizona – The flashlight was left near a business and discovered in the landscaping area for the business. Two individuals received minor injuries.
• May 14, 2012, Glendale, Arizona – The flashlight was discovered in the landscaping area for a second business. One individual received minor injuries.
• May 24, 2012, Phoenix, Arizona – The flashlight was found by an employee of a Salvation Army Rehabilitation facility while sorting through donations to the Salvation Army. Two individuals received minor injuries.
“We are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for these criminal bombings,” said Thomas Atteberry, Special Agent in Charge of ATF. “Our immediate concern is that of public safety, if anyone discovers a flashlight that does not belong to them or appears out of place, no matter the color or shape, DO NOT attempt touch or manipulate the flashlight in any way. We are confident the public can assist in providing additional information.”
Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call ATF’s toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2662).
