Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Local Color XV -- statewide competition

Police: Explosive used to destroy park toilet

CONCHAS, N.M. — State police officers have arrested a man suspected of using an explosive device to blow up a portable toilet at Conchas State Park in northeastern New Mexico.

Forty-two-year-old Todd Parey of Albuquerque was taken into custody Monday. He was booked into the San Miguel County jail on charges of dangerous use of explosives, possession of an explosive device and criminal damage to property.

State police say a search of Parey’s home in Albuquerque turned up bombmaking materials.
Parey allegedly told officers that he didn’t intend to hurt anyone.

Officers were called to the state park Monday afternoon in response to reports of a large explosion and plumes of black smoke. They found the toilet in pieces. Debris had been blasted more than 30 yards away.

(from the Santa Fe New Mexican: Local news in brief, April 3, 2013)

And just for scale, here's the scene of the crime: