By: Hollie Hojek
hhojek@kcautv.com
It was a Northeast Community College student who spotted a pop bottle bomb, waiting to explode in this court yard. Police and fire crews immediately arrived on scene and parts of the school were put on lock down.
"I was kind of shocked actually," said freshman Erica Newton.
"I was a little worried, like it's not that big of a town," said freshman Lindsey Bundy.
Students at NECC were definitely on edge Wednesday, as word spread quickly that two dorm rooms on campus had been put on lock down. Shortly before noon, a student discovered a 2-liter pop bottle bomb, waiting to explode in between Slain Hall and Burkehardt.
"I think it start's off as a prank but people don't really how dangerous they are," said Captain Michael Bauer, of Norfolk Police Department.
Bauer says it's the "unpredictability" of the pop bottle bombs and the chemicals mixed inside that makes it's a recipe for disaster.
"Because it's confined in that pop bottle and the lid screwed on tight the gases continue to build until there is a violent explosion."
An explosion so violent, Bauer says it could actually severe fingers, and the chemicals inside could cause third degree burns on the skin.
"They're kind of idiots for actually trying to make that stuff. He probably thought oh I'll just try this and not even realized the consequences," said freshman Justin Damme.
Fortunately, no one was injured in Wednesday's incident. Norfolk Police have cited Reid Alden, 18, of Norfolk for making the bombs. He's cited with a class 4 felony, which means he could face up to five years in prison.
