Explosives stolen in 2008 recovered, information about thief still sought

 On September 22, 2008,  approximately 185 pounds of explosives were stolen from the Martin Marietta Materials rock quarry at 7160 S.W. Diamond Rd.

On Monday around 9 p.m., the Butler County Sheriff's Department was notified by two hunters that there were white packages in an area near 50th and Fulton Road.

"Not knowing what it was, they called the Sheriff's Office," said Sheriff Kelly Herzet.

Upon further inspection, the packages turned out to be the dynamite stolen in 2008.

"These explosives were cap sensitive, meaning you would need a detonator," said Herzet. "The suspects were not able to break into a separate facility to get detonator caps."

During the initial investigation, which was conducted in cooperation with the Wichita office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a $5,000 reward was offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons who stole the explosives.

"This is still an ongoing investigation," said Herzet. "There is still a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest."

Anyone with information about the theft of the explosives can call the Butler County Sheriff at 316-322-4254 or the ATF at 888-283-2662.

"We recovered everything that was stolen in 2008," said Herzet. "It's good to know there isn't 185 pounds of explosives out there unaccounted for anymor