© 2024 KRWG
News that Matters.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Tiplines Set and Reward Offered in Explosions at Las Cruces Churches

  Federal, state and local partners continue to investigate Sunday morning’s detonation of explosive devices outside Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Las Cruces.

Investigators spent the better part of Sunday and into the early morning hours of Monday gathering evidence at both scenes and their on-site investigation is now complete. Evidence gathered from both scenes has already been transported for professional analysis. Agents and investigators are continuing to follow up on several leads.

Preliminary information from the investigation leads detectives to believe the two improvised explosive devices could have caused serious injury or death had someone been within close proximity at the time of detonation.

The FBI has made available a toll free phone number for tips. The FBI Tipline is 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

Las Cruces Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest, or arrests, in these two incidents. Those who call into Crime Stoppers can do so anonymously. The Crime Stoppers phone number is 1-800-222-8477.

Law enforcement encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior within their workplace, place of worship, or any public or private area. Anyone who sees a suspicious package or device should refrain from approaching or handling it. Simply call (575) 526-0795 or 911, if the threat is deemed an emergency, to report any suspicious device or person.

Churchgoers who left vehicles at either church are now able to retrieve them although access at both sites is limited. Those who wish to retrieve their vehicles must have property identification.

No injuries were reported and only minor damage was done at Calvary Baptist Church and Holy Cross Catholic Church. Calvary Baptist Church at 1800 Locust St. and Holy Cross is at 1327 N. Miranda St. The two churches are separated by slightly more than three miles.

The multi-agency investigation is being conducted by the Las Cruces Police Department; Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office; New Mexico State Police; New Mexico State University Police; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Department of Homeland Security.

Information from Las Cruces Police