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Officials: Passaic man charged for using explosive at Chase Bank ATM in 2022

Officials say Nicholas Torres is accused of going to Pennsylvania to buy $1,000 worth of fireworks and then setting them off in front of the ATM in July 2022.

Lanette Espy

Mar 29, 2024, 10:25 AM

Updated 266 days ago

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A man from Passaic was charged with using an explosive to damage a Chase Bank ATM in Prospect Park almost two years ago, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced on Thursday.
Officials say Nicholas Torres, 41, is accused of going to Pennsylvania to buy $1,000 worth of fireworks and then setting them off in front of the ATM early in the morning in July 2022.
Torres was captured on surveillance video approaching the ATM where he appeared to ignite an item in front of the ATM, according to officials. They say several seconds later, an explosion was seen at the ATM.
Torres was also seen on video fleeing the location with two individuals.
According to officials, physical evidence obtained from Chase Bank revealed cardboard with "MgAl" stamped on it. MgAl refers to magnalium, an alloy of magnesium and aluminum, according to officials. It can be used as fuel to form an explosive when ignited by heat or a flame.
Torres could face up to 30 years in prison.