Bottle bombs found near bleachers at McKinleyville High School; no one injured and bombs disposed safely by EOD deputy

On 07-05-2014, at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a citizen who located two possible homemade fireworks near the south bleachers of McKinleyille High School, McKinleyville.

When the deputy arrived at the high school, the citizen pointed out two plastic bottles wrapped in black tape. One bottle was two liters in size; the other was approximately 16 ounces in size. Both appeared to contain a white powdery substance inside.  The deputy recognized the devices as bottle bombs and called for a trained Explosive Ordinance Disposal (E.O.D.) deputy to respond to the scene. The bottle bombs were rendered safe by the E.O.D. deputy.

These devices have caused a number of injuries, including series chemical burns, eye irritation or blindness, limb and facial injuries and hearing damage. They are a felony to possess or build, and if convicted punishable by imprisonment up to six years.

If you find such a device do not handle it, back away and call 911.

The investigation into who constructed and left the bottle bombs behind is ongoing.