800 Pounds of Explosive Material Is Stolen
Local and federal law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft from a local excavation company of 800 pounds of ammonium nitrate, a component in bombs like the one that destroyed the federal building in Oklahoma City in 1995.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the theft of 16 bags of the material from a locked storage magazine at a company in this rural community in eastern San Diego County.
The material, mixed with fuel oil, was reportedly taken by thieves who used a cutting torch and bolt cutters. The material is not dangerous unless ignited with dynamite or another trigger, officials said Friday.
Officials also are trying to determine whether this theft is connected to a similar one this week in Colorado. Anyone with information is asked to call (888) 580-8477.
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