'Soda Bottle Bombs' A Serious Concern For Police

Someone detonated a “soda bottle bomb” in Perry Hall in late May, and now police want people to understand that this seemingly harmless prank is actually a felony.

White Marsh police precinct Capt. Michael Balog said officers are seeing this type of homemade explosive device more and more in the Perry Hall area.

“It’s a serious crime,” Balog said.

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If convicted, someone who manufactures or possesses this type of destructive device could face a maximum of 25 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

The most recent incident occurred in the 9700 block of Perry Farms Drive on May 31 at 10:50 p.m.

Police found remains of the soda bottle bomb in the street. The police department’s hazardous devices unit were called to evaluate.

There are several ways to make the soda bottle bomb from household items, which is a major concern for police, Balog said.

“You don’t know when it’s going to explode,” he said.

The force behind the explosion “could take a hand, at least a finger,” the captain warned.

If anyone comes across a suspicious looking soda bottle, possibly laced with tin foil, Balog said individuals should back off and call police immediately.

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