Police Investigate Explosion

Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 2:26 PM

Police say the explosive device was made from a sample cylinder, similar to these.

Investigation by the FPD Bomb Unit revealed the explosive was made from a gas sample cylinder. The explosion caused damage to a nearby shed and dented the side of a dumpster. No injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.

From Farmington Police:

Farmington, NM – The Farmington Police Department is investigating an explosion that occurred early Tuesday morning. At approximately 3:05 a.m. dispatch received reports of an explosion in the 500 block of East 20 Street. Officers searched the area and located the remains of an explosive device in the parking lot south of 505 E. 20 St. Investigation by the FPD Bomb Unit revealed the explosive was made from a gas sample cylinder. The explosion caused damage to a nearby shed and dented the side of a dumpster. No injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.

“This is an extremely serious incident and our detectives are working closely with ATF and the FBI,” said Chief Hebbe. “We urge all citizens to report suspicious activity immediately by calling dispatch.”

Anyone with information about this incident may call the FPD Detective Tip Hotline at 599-1068. Anonymous tips may be submitted to San Juan County Crime Stoppers at 334-TIPS.

The Farmington Police Department would like to remind citizens to never touch suspicious packages or items. Instead, call 911 immediately.

*The attached images are examples of the types of cylinders that could be used.

More from Local News

Sheriff's Office Investigates Fatal Shooting

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.
Suspect Arrested in Farmington Murder Case

Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.
Farmington Temple Opens this Summer

Invited guests will tour the temple, the afternoon of July 14, and all day on July 15 and 16, 2025. A public open house will run from July 17 to August 2, 2025, excluding Sundays.
Police: Farmington Child Abuse Suspect Killed in Home

Video

Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.
College Opens new Student Health Center

The $2.2 million Student Health Center spans 2,652 square feet and is designed to provide accessible healthcare services on campus. The center features two exam rooms, three offices for medical and behavioral health professionals, restrooms, storage areas, and additional support spaces.
Farmington Couple Accused of Severe Child Abuse

Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.