Talking Points - Theft of Explosives
Key Messages
Public Safety – In the hands of untrained personnel, these explosives are a public safety hazard.
Cooperation - Agencies will be working together with the community to recover the explosives.
Investigative Partners
Mike Humphreys, Walla Walla Sheriff 509-524-5400
Jessie Summers, ATF 509-577-1401
Jeff DeVere, Washington State Patrol 360-596-4010
Issue Actions - What We Are Doing
The scene has been processed and evidence has been sent to the state laboratory.
Agents and officers initiated a joint criminal investigation to track down the thieves and recover the explosives.
A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in this theft.
Hotline # 1-888-ATF-BOMB
(This number is staffed 24/7 by ATF Special Agents)
Background
Theft was discovered @ 10 am on July 27, 2009, when WA State Patrol arrived to conduct its routine inventory (which is a storage requirement).
After conducting interviews, it was determined the theft occurred between July 23–July 27, 2009.
Magazine is owned by the Port of Walla Walla, and leased to law enforcement and private individuals.
There are no indicators at this time that the theft is related to terrorism.
Items stolen include:
- 14 bags of rocket black powder (WA Fish & Wildlife)
- 200 lbs of AMEX/ANFO (WA Fish & Wildlife)
- 1 box containing 11 bags of Kinepak (WA Fish & Wildlife)
- 2 spools of 100 ft detonation cord (WAState Patrol)
- 115 “stingers,” blasting cap boosters (WA State Patrol)
- 27 lbs of green deta sheet explosives(WA State Patrol)
- 96 one-pound blocks of TNT (WA State Patrol)
- 17 sticks of dynamite (U.S. Forest Service)
- 1 spool of 1500 feet of detonation cord (U.S. Forest Service)
- 180 lbs of blackpowder (private party not regulated by ATF)
- Consumer fireworks (private party not regulated by ATF)