Feds offer $10K reward in Valley flashlight cases

PHOENIX - A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for rigging flashlights that exploded in Phoenix and Glendale.

The reward was announced Wednesday by the Phoenix division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The first rigged flashlight detonated May 24 at a Salvation Army warehouse in Phoenix, slightly injuring two workers.

Police said someone also left standard 6-volt yellow flashlights packed with explosives outside two Glendale businesses. The persons who picked up the devices suffered minor injuries in both incidents.

ATF Special Agent Thomas G. Atteberry told ABC15 the explosive devices are somewhat sophisticated.

"There is some circuitry and a level of expertise with this bomb builder," he explained. "We believe that all three devices are the same and that they've been made by the same bomb builder."

ATF agents are concerned a fourth may be found.

Atteberry told ABC15 investigators worked through the holiday weekend and are asking the ATF's lab to expedite its results.

"We are confident someone in the community knows who is making this device," said Atteberry.

The ATF is also warning residents who may come across an unfamiliar flashlight to call police.

"If it's not yours, it's better to be safe than sorry," cautioned Atteberry.