Colo. mall pipe bomb suspect Earl Albert Moore just released from prison

(CBS/KCNC) LITTLETON, Colo. - The FBI joint terrorism task force has identified Earl Albert Moore, who was recently released from prison, as a suspect in the attempted bombing at Southwest Plaza Mall in Littleton, Colo. on Wednesday.

Police released surveillance photos which they say show Moore at the mall minutes before the pipe bomb was discovered, as well as riding on a commuter bus Tuesday, the night before the incident, reports CBS station KCNC.

Moore, 65, was released from prison on April 13, though it is not clear why he was in prison. He also goes by the name Earl Albert Buchanan, reports the station.

Moore is described as a white male, with graying hair, a silver mustache, approximately 200 to 225 pounds, 6-foot-2-inches tall, and bald with blue eyes and a gray mustache. He was last seen wearing glasses and has multiple tattoos, the station reports.

In all of the photos and video released Moore appears to be wearing the same clothing and carrying a large plastic bag, according to the station.

Members of the Jefferson County Bomb Squad found the propane tanks and the pipe bomb inside the mall after a small fire broke out near the food court at about 11:50 a.m. on Wednesday. The mall was evacuated as a precaution and then closed for the rest of the day and several schools nearby were placed on lockouts.

Officials confirmed late Thursday the propane tanks were purchased at a nearby Target store.

Moore is considered armed and dangerous and has an extensive criminal background. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call 911 or the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office tip line at 303-271-5615.

Complete Coverage of Colo. mall pipe-bomb incident on Crimesider