Suspected destructive devices recovered in New Mexico forest, reward offered

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the placement of multiple improvised explosive or incendiary devices in a forest in northern New Mexico, according to the agency.

The bureau is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for placing or using the suspected destructive devices, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives press release said.

Between Thursday, April 2 and Friday, May 8, several devices were found near a ranger station in the forest, according to the bureau. On Monday, Aug. 10, a concerned citizen recovered and turned in an additional device to a ranger station at the opposite end of the forest, the bureau said.

The ATF collected evidence from the scenes and is now conducting a forensic examination as a part of its investigation alongside local and federal law enforcement, the agency said.

The U.S. Forest Service and local law enforcement initially responded to the incidents and requested additional assistance from the ATF's field office, according to the bureau.

Anyone who finds a suspicious object is encouraged to refrain from handling it and report it to officials.

Improvised explosives or incendiary devices can be unstable and cause serious injury or property damage.