'Bottle Bombs' Explode in Pr. George's High School

Two Prince George's County high school students were arrested today after two chemical "bottle bombs" exploded in their school's hallways this morning, injuring no one but thoroughly disrupting the day, a county schools official said.

One of the bombs burst in a hallway at Friendly High School in Fort Washington about 9:15 a.m., school system spokesman John White said, prompting a call to the fire department. After the first incident had been cleaned up, a second bomb exploded in the hallway near the administrative office about 10 a.m., White said. Following the second explosion, all students were sent to the football field as firefighters looked for additional devices. They returned to class by 12:45 p.m.

A student who set the second bomb was caught on a surveillance camera and apprehended, White said. A sophomore and two seniors were eventually detained in connection with the incident. One of the seniors and the sophomore were arrested and will face charges, and White said all three students could face expulsion.

At a minimum, the seniors will not be allowed to participate in spring activities, including graduating on stage with their class, White said.

"They had their fun and ruined their spring," White said.

Both bombs were crude devices made from plastic bottles, toilet cleaner and an activating agent, White said. Videos depicting such bombs' construction and their use are widely available on YouTube and other Web sites. Such bombs are not particularly deadly, but they can injure those standing nearby.

Last week, a student allegedly set off a similar device at Crossland High School. He was charged with possessing an explosive device and reckless endangerment, which has a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

White said Friendly High's principal would send a letter home telling parents to warn their children about the dangers of such devices and asking them to report suspicious activity.

"It's an unnecessary interruption to the school day, so it's serious on a number of levels whether it's safety or preventing kids from being in class," White said.