A 41-year-old New Jersey man tried to use blast open an ATM with fireworks at a bank in Prospect Park nearly two years ago, authorities said Friday.
Nicolas Torres, of Passaic, lit the device at the Chase Bank ATM shortly after midnight on July 5, 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. He and two other people not named in the federal complaint then fled in an SUV, authorities said.
An investigation revealed that a day earlier Torres traveled to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to purchase $1,000 worth of fireworks, authorities said. He showed identification and provided his email address when making the purchase, authorities said.
Torres was seen on surveillance video at the bank, officials said. Police also found gunpowder residue and cardboard with markings indicating explosive material, authorities said.
Torres is charged with using an explosive to damage real property used in interstate commerce and possession of an unregistered firearm. He appeared in court Thursday and a judge ordered him held.
Torres’ federal public defender declined to comment on Friday.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com
