It was later discovered the noises were the result of nine "Drano bombs" being detonated in the 400 block of Hickory Street prompting police and the bomb squad responding to investigate.
Police are now looking for suspects who exploded nine devices in the neighborhood Tuesday, said Mike Grimes, commander of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Unit.
Officers requested the sheriff’s bomb squad shortly after finding suspicious items scattered throughout residential yards and in the street.
Sgt. David Chasteen of Monroe said nine “Drano bombs” were detonated in the area and a tenth one failed to explode.
Grimes said “Drano bombs,” or overpressure devices, are acid-based and commonly made with liquids such as Drano, a common household chemical used to clean clogged pipes. But the specific chemical composition of the devices found Tuesday won’t be known until further analysis is completed.
“It can be strong enough to take an officer’s fingers off if it’s in the hand,” Grimes said. “It’s an acid so you’d have chemical burns.”
Grimes said if someone finds a chemical bomb they should back away and call police. He said movement can spur a chemical reaction which the ability for dangerous explosions of a 15-foot radius.
Spanel said at least two devices — made in Mountain Dew and Powerade bottles — were detonated on her property.
“There were little chunks of plastic smoking in my yard,” Spanel said. “It’s dangerous if someone’s walking by or for pets because of the Drano.”
No injuries or property damage were reported. According to sheriff’s officials, it is suspected a group of youths may have fabricated the devices.
“They think it’s a joke, to blow up mailboxes,” Sheriff Richard K. Jones said. “These are getting out of control.”
The incident remains under investigation by Monroe police and the bomb squad. No suspects have been identified.
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