According to a source familiar with the investigation, the individuals didn't have the expertise to detonate a parked Nissan Pathfinder containing propane tanks, fertilizer and gasoline.
Authorities focused on Shahzad when they traced evidence to him from the sale of the Nissan Pathfinder used in the failed attack -- information considered the linchpin of the case.
The Nissan Pathfinder had its vehicle identification number removed from the dashboard. Police climbed under the SUV and retrieved the VIN from the bottom of its engine block.
This breakthrough led investigators to the vehicle's registered owner and then on to Shahzad, who purchased the SUV, an official said.
The Nissan Pathfinder was sold three weeks ago in a cash deal with no paperwork exchanged, a law enforcement source with knowledge of the investigation said Monday. The $1,800 deal was closed at a Connecticut shopping mall, where the buyer handed over the money and drove off, the source said.
Cell phone calls conducted for the purchase of the vehicle helped lead police to the suspect, law enforcement sources said.
Fortunately bombers are really stupid. IIRC, In the WTC bombing in the early 90's police were able to get the vin number from a piece of the truck that survived the bomb. The police were able to trace the number to the Ryder Truck rental shop and it just so happened when they called the guys who had rented it were on the phone asking for their deposit back. They said it had been stolen. Police told the manager to offer to give the money back and when they showed up for the deposit they were arrested! :loser: