Hazardous Device OSINT Readbook - 23Feb24

Evansville Police: Man had improvised explosive device in truck

An Evansville police officer discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting a traffic stop on 14FEB24 in Henderson, Kentucky. The IED was described as shotgun shell wrapped in tape with a screw sticking out of the prime, the device was in the center console of the suspect’s vehicle and found after the officer received consent to conduct a search. A Hazardous Devices Unit was dispatched to the scene to assess and remove the IED.

Additional source: Man had improvised explosive device in truck

Bombs, weapons, mushrooms found at Chester residence that prompted evacuation

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office discovered three incendiary devices, a loaded firearm, ammunition and 17 grams of psychedelic mushrooms while conducting a search related to a temporary protection order on 16FEB24 at an apartment in Chester, New York. The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad was dispatched to the scene and identified numerous materials consistent with fabricating improvised explosive devices. The suspect has been charged with three counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of criminal possession of a loaded firearm.

Additional sources: 3 Homemade Explosives Found In Mid-Hudson Valley Home, Three incendiary devices found in Chester home, Homemade explosives found in Orange County man’s apartment

1 arrested after setting off ‘mortar-type firework’ near Southern California shopping center

The Tustin Police department received reports of a possible mortar-type firework or pipe bomb detonating on 20FEB24 at a shopping mall in Tustin, California. No damage or injuries were reported following the incident and one suspect has been arrested. The Orange County Fire Authority and the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office responded to the incident to assist in the investigation.

Additional sources: Man arrested for allegedly lighting firework outside Tustin shopping center

Mass. police search car, find drugs, and a rocket launcher

A detective who conducted a search on a suspicious vehicle after questioning the owner discovered crack cocaine and a M190 training rocket launcher on 19FEB24 in Sutton, Massachusetts. The suspect was charged with possession of a Class B substance and possession/control of an incendiary device. Investigators were unable to determine how the suspect acquired the M190 and the launcher was turned over to the ATF.

Mexican Drug Cartels Employ Landmines and IEDs in Escalating Turf Wars

Mexican drug cartels have begun utilizing emplaced radio controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIED) along drug trafficking routes in Tamaulipas, Mexico which travel into Texas. The RCIEDs have been discovered near the cities of Rio Bravo, San Fernando, and Valle Hermoso. The RCIEDs are believed to have been emplaced by the Los Metros and Los Escorpiones factions of the Gulf Cartel. Reports indicate criminal organizations in Mexico have increased explosives manufacturing capabilities utilizing clandestine factories recently and RCIEDs are the latest development.

23FEB24