Nicolas Torres, ATM Bombing, New Jersey 2022

Newark, N.J. – A brazen act of violence shook the small town of Prospect Park, New Jersey, when a Chase Bank ATM was damaged in an explosive blast. The perpetrator, 41-year-old Nicolas Torres of Passaic, New Jersey, was caught on surveillance video igniting an item in front of the ATM before fleeing the scene with two individuals.

According to documents filed in the case, Torres was seen fleeing the location with two individuals and cellular phone location data placed him in the area of the Chase Bank at the time of the explosion. The investigation revealed that Torres had traveled to Pennsylvania the day before and purchased approximately $1,000 worth of fireworks.

Examination of the physical evidence obtained from Chase Bank revealed cardboard with “MgAl” stamped on it, an alloy of magnesium and aluminum that can be used as fuel to form an explosive when ignited by heat or a flame, thereby making it an improvised explosive device.

Torres was charged by complaint with using an explosive to damage real property used in interstate commerce and possession of an unregistered firearm, namely the destructive device. The defendant appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court and was detained.

The use of an explosive to damage real property used in interstate commerce charge carries a statutory minimum of five years in prison, a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. The possession of an unregistered firearm charge carries a statutory maximum of 10 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy, and the Prospect Park Police Department, under the direction of Officer in Charge Captain Walter Richmond, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vera Varshavsky of the U.S. Attorney’s National Security Unit in Newark. The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

On July 5, 2022, Torres was captured on surveillance video approaching the Chase Bank ATM in Prospect Park and appearing to ignite an item in front of the ATM. Several seconds later, an explosion was seen at the ATM.

Torres is currently being held without bail.

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