Police: multiple suspected homemade explosive devices in June; department, bomb squad and federal partners investigating ahead of July events

The Sahuarita Police Department told the Town Council it is investigating several suspected homemade explosive devices found in the community in mid‑June 2025 and urged residents to call 911 if they see suspicious items.

Chief Nolan said three incidents that appeared to involve homemade explosive devices and a separate incident involving what officers treated as a smoke-enhanced firework were reported between June 13 and June 20. The department called Pima Regional Bomb Squad to render two of the devices safe; bomb‑squad specialists collected at least two devices for forensic examination, Chief Nolan said.

The department conducted neighborhood canvasses and used a bomb-detection canine provided by the Pima County Sheriff's Office to search for additional devices. Detectives are following up on leads and reviewing camera footage from residents who reported possible evidence. Chief Nolan said ATF and FBI personnel were notified and the department is coordinating across local, county and federal partners.

Chief Nolan warned that the devices are dangerous and said residents should not touch suspicious items: "If people run into these things, they see them, it doesn't look right, simply call 911," he said. He described standard safety procedures including cordoning the scene and following bomb-squad recommendations on safe distances; he said technicians commonly request a 300-foot safety perimeter while they work.

Town staff also discussed safety planning for the July Stars and Stripes event at Animax Park. Events staff said the evening will include a drone show by OpenSky Drones combined with scaled ground pyrotechnics; the town has coordinated with Santa Rita Fire District and Sahuarita Police to contain the display within the park and to reduce fallout compared with earlier large‑shell fireworks.

Why it matters

Multiple devices in a short time frame prompted an expanded investigation and a public safety appeal. The timing — in the days leading to July events and fireworks season — increases public concern and the need for visible safety coordination between police, fire and event staff.

What residents were told

- Do not handle suspicious items; call 911 immediately. (Chief Nolan) - The department will accept video recordings and has provided officers a method to upload recordings to the department's evidence system for detective review. - Investigators have canvassed the area and continue follow-up work; evidence will be forensically examined to seek leads.

What police said about risk and response

Chief Nolan said he did not have evidence the devices targeted a particular person or neighborhood and that the county and federal partners are assisting. He said the public-media timeline will prioritize accuracy to avoid undermining an active investigation and that the department will issue a public-service announcement about the incidents and the investigation.

Ending

Police asked residents to call 911 with suspicious observations and to preserve any camera recordings for investigators. Town event and public-safety staff said they will continue to coordinate final safety arrangements for Stars and Stripes and will emphasize Precise viewing guidance and public messaging before the July 4 celebration.