Teenager charged in booms that frightened neighborhood

[Cass]

Authorities have arrested a 15-year-old resident of the neighborhood where mysterious booms have frightened residents since the beginning of the month.

The teenager, who was not identified, was charged Wednesday with possessing or manufacturing an explosive device. That crime, a felony, carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

ther youths also might be involved, according to authorities, who said a citizen tip led them to the suspect.

The explosions were caused by a simple chemical reaction, a city public works spokesman told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Three devices recovered by police earlier this week were made of common materials, including plastic soda bottles.

The reaction produced enough pressure to burst the bottles and cause a loud boom, the spokesman said.

Full Story