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Sahuarita police investigate multiple suspicious explosive devices; town details safety plan for July 4 drone‑fireworks hybrid
Summary
Sahuarita police are investigating multiple suspicious homemade explosive devices found in mid‑June; the town said the Pima Regional Bomb Squad rendered devices safe and detectives are canvassing neighborhoods for surveillance footage.
Sahuarita police announced an active investigation into a string of suspicious devices discovered around town in mid‑June and described safety preparations for the town’s Stars and Stripes Fourth of July event.
Police Chief Nolan said officers investigated four separate reports: three incidents that are believed to involve homemade explosive devices and a fourth that was likely a more powerful smoke or fireworks device. The Pima Regional Bomb Squad responded to multiple scenes, rendered devices safe and collected at least two items for forensic examination. The town also notified federal partners, including ATF and the FBI, and detectives have canvassed neighborhoods and requested recordings from residents’ cameras to assist the investigation.
Chief Nolan described the devices as dangerous and urged residents to call 911 immediately if they encounter suspicious objects. He said cordons and safety distances are used while technicians render devices safe and emphasized that officers and regional EOD teams are using established protocols to protect people and property.
Town staff and event planners described the Stars and Stripes program: Animax Park will host a community event that begins at 5 p.m. and concludes with a hybrid show at about 9 p.m. The finale will combine a 250‑drone display (OpenSky) with smaller, contained ground pyrotechnics and mounted pyrotechnic effects on drones. Event staff said the drone display can be visible as much as a three‑mile radius depending on conditions; ground pyrotechnics will be more localized. The town said the hybrid approach reduces fallout and wildfire risk compared with large aerial shell displays while still providing a visible public celebration.
Devin, the event lead, said vendors, live music and family activities will fill multiple fields at Animax Park, the splash pad will be available during the event and a car show and marketplace are expected. The town coordinated safety and medical staffing with the Santa Rita Fire District and Sahuarita Police Department; Chief Nolan said police will have a substantial presence.
Mayor Tom Murphy and council members thanked police and fire partners for their response and said the town will issue public‑safety messaging urging residents to report suspicious items. Chief Nolan said the investigation is active, devices were found within roughly a one‑mile span of locations, and that an arrest and prosecution will be sought if investigators identify responsible parties.
