The Associated Press
Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2001; 6:39 p.m. EDT

VIEQUES, Puerto Rico –– Puerto Rican police on Wednesday arrested three people who allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at two sailors in a jeep to protest U.S. Navy bombing on Vieques island.

The firebombs – tossed by the protesters from civilian land – missed the vehicle, which was patrolling the fence guarding Navy land. The firebombs burned a patch of grass, causing no injuries, said Vieques Police Commander Jose Caldero.

"This is far from an act of civil disobedience," said Police Chief Pierre Vivoni. "This is a criminal act that could cause death."

Charges were not immediately filed against the two women, who police described as university students, and one man. The bombs were made from glass bottles, filled with gasoline and rags, Caldero said.

The Navy claims Molotov cocktails have been thrown before but no arrests had been made until Wednesday.

Navy spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Katherine Goode said protesters threw three Molotov cocktails at Navy personnel and also launched two flares at them. She said no one was injured.

"They have crossed the line into becoming violent," said Goode.