Las Cruces Church Explosions: Man seen on video is ‘person of interest’

Investigators looking into Sunday morning’s detonation of explosive devices outside two Las Cruces churches are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man seen on surveillance video near one of the churches.

The man recorded on surveillance video was seen walking to and from Calvary Baptist Church around the time of the explosion there last Sunday.

He was wearing plaid shorts and a blue, short-sleeve T-shirt.

Investigators are calling the man a “person of interest” but do not necessarily believe he is a suspect.

The FBI is now offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information that helps solve the case, including the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for planting the two devices.

The device at Calvary Baptist Church detonated at approximately 8:20 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, while the device at Holy Cross Catholic Church was reported about 20 minutes later. No injuries were reported.

Detectives investigating the cases believe the devices could have caused serious injury or death had someone been within close proximity at the time of detonation.

Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are urging church parishioners to be vigilant and be aware of anything or anyone that appears suspicious at their churches this weekend.

In the past few days, Las Cruces Police and other law enforcement agencies have met with several church-based groups and other organizations interested in heightening their security awareness in the wake of Sunday’s incidents.

Police say the most common piece of advice they can give is for all residents to remain vigilant and attentive of their surroundings at all times, and immediately report any suspicious people or behavior.

Holy Cross is looking to update its security system but needs community help to raise money to do so. A GoFundMe account has been created to raise the money and anyone can make a donation.

Anyone who sees a suspicious package, device or person should refrain from approaching. Residents are asked to call (575) 526-0795 or 911 immediately.

The multi-agency investigation into Sunday’s incidents is ongoing and the FBI continues to seek leads that could help identify the person or persons involved. Anyone with information that may be relevant is asked to call the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

Crime Stoppers is now offering a total reward of $7,500 for information that leads to an arrest, or arrests, in these incidents. In an unprecedented move, the Deming, N.M., Crime Stoppers allocated $2,500 in addition to the $5,000 offered by Las Cruces Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information that can help identify the person or persons responsible can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a tip by text message to CRIMES (274637), keyword LCTIPS. The Crime Stoppers number and text messaging services are operational 24 hours a day and callers do not have to give a name to collect a reward.

The multi-agency investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the ATF, the Las Cruces Police Department, Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico State University Police, and the Department of Homeland Security.