Traces of TATP Explosive Identified in Central Park Blast, Police Offer Reward
— -- Investigators said they have identified traces of some of the substances that were used to make an explosive that detonated in Central Park earlier this month, seriously injuring an 18-year-old tourist.
"These substances, which are commonly and legally available for sale in certain hardware stores, can be used in combination with other products to develop a home-made explosive agent," according to a statement released by the NYPD Thursday. "Based on the crime scene investigation and the forensic examination, it is believed that this explosive material was made by someone experimenting with commercially available products.”
The tests showed trace elements of TATP, or triacetone triperoxide, a highly explosive material, ABC New York station WABC-TV reported.
Connor Golden of Fairfax, Virginia, was climbing rocks in the park July 3 with two friends when the explosion occurred, which later resulted in the amputation of his foot.
The NYPD believes the explosive had originally failed to detonate and was discarded, only to be accidentally discovered by Golden.
Lt. Mark Torre said there's no indication the blast was terrorism-related.
"What seems likely at this point is that we have ... an explosive hobbyist or an experimenter," Torre said. "I believe we have somebody that made this material and then he wanted to test it."
Officials said Golden and his two friends are not considered suspects. No camera surveillance has been recovered and detectives are no closer to identifying the suspect.
NYPD is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for the arrest and indictment of the person, or people, responsible.
