September 19, 2007

Purdue police investigate bottle bomb incidents, vandalized vehicles

Police also are seeking information about eight vehicles that were damaged during the weekend (Sept. 14-16).

In the first explosive device incident, a witness reported hearing the explosion at about 4:30 a.m. from inside Alpha Chi Omega. At Hilltop, service workers found evidence of a "bottle bomb" around 8:45 a.m. No one was injured in either incident.

Lt. Fred Davis said Purdue police officers found several pieces of the homemade devices at both sites. He said those responsible for making the devices could be charged with a Class C felony.

"These are matters of public safety because the substances used to construct these explosive devices are quite caustic and could cause serious injury or property damage when they explode," he said. "To add to the possibility of injury and damage, those responsible set the devices near the entrances to both buildings."

Davis said three vehicles were damaged on Oval Drive, three were vandalized on Fourth Street, one was damaged on Central Drive and another was damaged on Waldron Street. Total damage to the vehicles is estimated at $2,800.

Anyone with information related to the explosions or vandalized vehicles is asked to call the Purdue Police Department at (765) 494-8221 or the anonymous crime tip line at (765) 496-3784.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: Lt. Fred Davis, (765) 494-8221

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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