LAKEPORT — Unknown suspects have been reportedly setting off homemade chemical bombs during the past two weeks in the area of Clearlake Avenue and North High Street, according to authorities.
The Lakeport Police Department (LPD) has developed information, and according to LPD Chief Brad Rasmussen, they believe the homemade bombs are being produced in plastic soda bottles.
Chemical, or acid bombs, are made by mixing chemical substances in a closed container, and the resulting mixture creates enough pressure to cause the container to explode, Rasmussen stated. The containers may sound like gunshots when they explode.
In January 2012, the LPD issued a press release regarding an acid bomb explosion in the 2,000 block of Hartley Street that was initially reportedly as a gunshot heard in the area. Rasmussen stated. Officers determined the acid bomb was a homemade device.
In July of that same year, LPD officers investigated another case where juvenile suspects exploded an acid bomb in the 900 block of Bevins Court, Rasmussen stated.
Chemical or acid bombs are dangerous because they can cause serious injury including physical trauma, respiratory symptoms and chemical burns, he stated. Anyone encountering the devices should not approach them, but avoid the area and immediately notify 9-1-1 for police and fire.
Further information regarding the acid bombs can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6224a4.htm.
Anyone found in possession of, manufacturing or using these devices will be subject to strict enforcement, Rasmussen stated.
Anyone with information regarding persons involved in these incidents is encouraged to call the LPD at 263-5491 and contact Rasmussen or Officer Jarvis Leishman.
