The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) are requesting the public’s assistance for information regarding the recent theft of approximately 285 pounds of high explosives from an explosives bunker located near Victor.
Between approximately March 15 and April 1, suspect(s) used forced entry to access an explosives storage facility operated by Ajax Contracting Inc. located west of Victor. The following items were stolen from the storage facility: ANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil) , explosive boosters and dynamite .
“The theft of explosives is a very serious crime and a top investigative priority for ATF,” said Ken Bray, Resident Agent in Charge of ATF in Montana. “We are asking for the public’s help in our effort to apprehend and convict those responsible. We are confident that someone can help identify a suspect and we encourage them to call us.”
Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman added, “Locating these explosives is imperative to the safety of the citizens of Ravalli County and elsewhere. The Sheriff’s Office is working closely with ATF to resolve this case as soon and safely as possible.”
Sheriff Hoffman encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to call the numbers listed below. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to the recovery of the explosives and to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft. Stealing explosives and possession of stolen explosives is a federal crime that is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2662), or locally in Missoula at 721-2611. They can also call the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office at 363-3033. Anonymous tips can be received by CrimeStoppers at 363-0062.