Authorities in New Mexico are currently investigating a series of incidents involving explosive devices, with one person taken into custody in connection with an explosion at a government building in Deming.
The incident unfolded on Monday when an explosive device was discovered near Luna County Magistrate Court, prompting the Deming Police Department to advise people to avoid the area due to the potential threat of a second device.
Explosive Device Near Luna County Magistrate Court
Deming, located in southern New Mexico, is about 35 miles north of the US-Mexico border.
Following this discovery, two additional items were found at an adult probation center in Las Cruces and the US Attorney’s Office in Albuquerque, both of which were ultimately deemed harmless.
The suspicious object in Las Cruces, initially reported as concerning, turned out to be an empty box, according to the police. In Albuquerque, an item detected by X-ray at a loading dock was found to be a pipe-shaped object with wires inside.
However, the situation escalated when an explosion occurred in front of the Luna County Magistrate Courthouse and the Adult Probation and Parole Building in Deming.
The Deming Police Department responded to reports of a possible explosion around 7:30 a.m. Officers discovered a “suspicious object/device” near the building’s entrance, prompting the evacuation of the surrounding neighborhood. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
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New Mexico Bomb Squad Engaged as Surveillance Footage Offers Clues to Suspect
The New Mexico State Police Bomb Squad was called to the scene for investigation, and surveillance footage from a nearby building provided a vehicle description for a possible suspect.
A pursuit ensued, leading to the closure of Interstate 10 near Exit 82. The highway has since reopened after the suspect’s vehicle was located and the driver was taken into custody.
The identity of the driver has not been released, and the investigation has been handed over to the FBI. The area around the Adult Probation Office remains closed, and people are advised to avoid the vicinity as authorities work to determine the nature and intent of these incidents.
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