On April 2 at approximately 10:30 p.m. the San Luis Obispo Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding disorderly subjects in the area of Pacific and Archer Streets. Additional witnesses reported the subjects were leaving in an older model sport utility vehicle (SUV).
An officer responding to the scene stopped a vehicle matching the description on S. Higuera near Madonna Road. Four 17-year old male juveniles were detained in the vehicle. They are all residents of San Luis Obispo.
The original victim told officers he was walking on Pacific near Archer Streets when the occupants of the SUV sprayed him with an unknown liquid. The SUV occupants then threw an unidentified white powder on the victim. When the victim confronted the subjects, the front passenger opened his door and brandished a knife in a threatening manner.
As the SUV drove off a small plastic bottle containing chemicals was thrown from the vehicle. The chemical reaction caused the bottle to
explode.
Officers located material in the SUV capable of completing nine similar destructive devices.All four juveniles admitted their involvement in the crime and possession of the explosive devices.
The youths reported that making explosive devices is a popular trend among high school students and commonly used as a “prank.”
Since the beginning of January officers have responded to at least 10 calls for service where similar devices were detonated.
Chemical bombs are made from easy to purchase volatile household chemicals. When these ingredients are combined, the internal gas pressure generated from the chemical reaction causes the container to expand and explode. This explosion can cause serious injury or death to persons in the vicinity of the detonation. Injuries may include chemical burns. While there have been no known injuries resulting from the recent calls, the explosive devices are extremely dangerous.
The juveniles were arrested for PC 12312, possession of materials with intent to make explosive or destructive devices. Two of the juveniles charged with PC 12303.2, possession of destructive devices or explosives in or near certain places. One juvenile was also charged with PC 417(a)(1), drawing/exhibiting a deadly weapon in a threatening manner.
The four youths were turned over to the custody of the SLO County Juvenile Services Center.