Phoenix Police investigating string of explosions in Northwest Phoenix

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- The Phoenix Police Department's bomb squad is investigating a string of explosions that have rattled the nerves of residents in one Northwest Phoenix neighborhood.

Neighbors have reported hearing more than a dozen explosions over the last couple of months, and some say the explosions they're hearing are happening at random times and random locations, within a five-mile radius of a neighborhood near 35th Avenue and Bell Road. Aside from the loud boom, the only evidence left behind are divots in the ground, and a smell in the air. Exactly what the explosives are, and who's setting them off, remain a mystery.

"This is starting to get a little more out of hand," said Joe Bob Grisham. One of the explosives went off in front of his house a few days ago.

"It was very loud," said Grisham "You could feel it. I could see the flash from inside my house."

The explosion left a shallow divot in the ground, and propelled rocks into the air.

"We didn't see any shrapnel from a bomb casing or paper, but there were rocks everywhere," said Grisham. "You can smell the sulfur on them from the explosion."

No one has been hurt, nor has anyone seen a possible suspect. Neighbors can only speculate about what is being blown up, and why. One resident, who did not want to appear on camera, has a theory.

"Since it's happening all different times of the day, it leads me to believe someone is playing around with explosives," said the woman. "My husband is in the military. He thinks it was some sort of IED, or even a chlorine bomb."

Another possibility is someone may be setting off small bombs, preparing to build a bigger bomb. Until the explosions stop, some parents are not letting their kids play outside.

Police officials say they have been telling residents to call 911, as soon as they hear or see any more explosions. Anyone with information should leave an anonymous tip by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Spanish speakers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO.

Si tiene alguna información sobre este caso, llame a la línea de Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446).