UPDATE ON FEB 7, 2023
A fugitive wanted by the FBI and ATF was captured Monday night. Neil Ravi Mehta was arrested without incident in Austin, TX by agents from the FBI Austin Resident Agency (RA). The investigation remains ongoing, so the agencies could not share more info at this time.
In a statement, FBI Little Rock expressed their gratitude for the exceptional work performed by the FBI Austin RA as well as our partners at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, IRS Criminal Investigations, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and the Fort Smith Police Department. Additionally, we are indebted to all the state and local police agencies who provided incredible support for this case across the nation. The Bureau in Little Rock added they are thankful for the numerous community members and media partners who assisted with this case.
PREVIOUSLY ON FEB 2, 2023
FBI Little Rock and ATF New Orleans are asking for the public’s help to locate and arrest Neil Ravi Mehta for unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device.
On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, FBI Little Rock and ATF New Orleans agents executed a federal search warrant at Mehta’s residence in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. During the court-authorized operation, investigators located multiple explosive devices inside the residence. The explosives were rendered safe by federal agents, but Mehta remains at large.
Mehta is 31 years old and is described as being 5’11” and weighing 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Attached are two photographs of Mehta for public dissemination. Investigators believe Mehta has ties to eastern Oklahoma; Atlanta, GA; Albuquerque, NM; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Houston, TX; Jackson Hole, WY; and New York, NY, as well as Pakistan and India.
Mehta should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see Mehta, please do not approach him, but immediately contact your local law enforcement agency or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.