Bomb threat closes Dilkon NTUA office

By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

DILKON — The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority office in Dilkon, Ariz., received a bomb threat Thursday morning causing an evacuation of their offices and other nearby offices and residences.

A search of the NTUA compound by Arizona Department of Public Safety found no devices. DPS sent three explosive experts and technicians and several of the responding agencies sent bomb-sniffing canine.

“The main concerns of this multiagency response are three major underground gas lines within 1,000 feet radius, various combustible and flammable chemicals, gases used by the entity,” Lt. Emerson Lee of the Dilkon Police District said in a news release.

Dilkon Police District officers were the first to respond to the incident after the Dilkon NTUA office supervisor Elizabeth Yazzie reported that a bomb threat was received through their main switchboard at 8:33 a.m.

The bomb threat was initially received by an employee who stated that the suspect was possibly a young female who said “Listen to me. These guys are crazy. They said they put a bomb in your office and the trucks!” The caller hung up before more information could be obtained.

Three Dilkon police officers were dispatched to the scene and after notifying proper authorities, all personnel and customers were immediately evacuated. Neighboring tribal offices and residential areas were also evacuated for precautionary measures, according to the Dilkon Police District. Responding officer Arlinda Yesslith met with personnel near the main gate.

The NTUA personnel were asked to relocate to a different location in consideration of their safety and welfare.

“The district manager at NTUA did a great job,” Lee said.

He said that the district manager Justin Paul followed NTUA procedure and the staff were well organized.

While a motive is not known and the incident is still under investigation, NTUA officials noted that there were utility disconnects scheduled the same day for delinquent customers throughout southwest Navajo.

The Dilkon Police District noted that during fiscal year 2007, several similar incidents occurred at the Dilkon Community School. In that case, suspects were found and incarcerated because of the collaborative efforts of the Dilkon Police District and Criminal Investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was also involved with those investigations.