Flashlight Bomber Possibly Responsible for Third Device, Donated to Phoenix Salvation Army

The dolt dropping off improvised explosive devices around Glendale in the form of flashlights may have delivered his third yesterday -- this time in Phoenix.Someone dropped a flashlight in the donations at a Salvation Army in Phoenix yesterday, and when an employee clicked it on, it blew up.Phoenix police say...

By Matthew Hendley

May 25, 2012

Help us weather the uncertain future

We need to raise $7,000 to meet our goal by August 10. If you’re able to make a contribution of any amount, your dollars will make an immediate difference in helping ensure the future of local journalism in Phoenix. Thanks for reading Phoenix New Times.

We know — the economic times are hard. We believe that our work of reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now is more important than ever.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$7,000

$5,800

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "21251496",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "21327862",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "16759093",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "21934225",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25          
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "17980324",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17012245",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

The dolt dropping off improvised explosive devices around Glendale in the form of flashlights may have delivered his third yesterday -- this time in Phoenix.

Someone dropped a flashlight in the donations at a Salvation Army in Phoenix yesterday, and when an employee clicked it on, it blew up.

Phoenix police say two employees were hurt, but they sustained only "very minor injuries."

The Salvation Army location, on the 1600 block of South Central Avenue, was evacuated yesterday as Phoenix PD brought out the bomb squad to check it out.

As a reminder, this is not the time to be picking up random flashlights, as Phoenix police say preliminary information from witnesses "indicates this device was similar two devices found Glendale within the past few weeks."

Glendale police said last week that two city residents found regular yellow handheld flashlights outside, and both flashlights exploded when they tried to turn them on.

Neither of those people was seriously injured, but Glendale police said the devices "were built to inflict serious injury."

Glendale police said "explosives experts" are asking that you call 9-1-1 if you find any flashlight, no matter what color or shape, so you may want to heed that advice no matter what part of the Valley you live in.

Matthew Hendley

A message from News Editor Zach Buchanan: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of essential stories and to investigate issues that matter.

Support Today