Police and Firefighters Warning Public About “Bottle Bomb” Pranks – Community Advisory

Police and firefighters in multiple jurisdictions are warning citizens about a common prank in which empty plastic bottles are being turned into explosive devices. While there have been no reports or injuries in Takoma Park related to these devices, police and fire marshals want the public to be aware of the potential dangers of these devices, sometimes referred to as "bottle bombs."

People who make these devices, often juveniles, typically use corrosive chemicals that are hazardous to humans, pets and the environment. Police and fire marshal investigators have determined that many suspects are learning how to construct these devices on the Internet where they are presented to be non-hazardous. Victims exposed to the chemicals, however, could require medical treatment as a result of injuries to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

Suspects, whether juvenile or adult, can face felony charges for the manufacturing and detonation of explosive devices, such as bottle bombs.

If you see a suspicious container, typically a plastic bottle that is significantly expanded and deformed, this is a sign that the device could be a bottle bomb and may explode. Anyone who sees one of these devices should call 9-1-1 immediately.