Johnston Police Find 'Bottle Bombs', Warn Residents of Danger

The warned residents to be alert after several "bottle bombs" were found in town on Thursday.

The Johnston Police Department was called to the trail and park area located between and on a report of several "bottle bombs" in the area.

The and Des Moines bomb and Hazmat units responded to the scene and safely detonated and disposed of the bottles.

In a Johnston Police Department news alert Friday, the department said the low-tech bombs are fairly common and popular with juveniles, who "typically use it as a prank to blow up mailboxes and cause similar types of property damage."

"Although this type of device is easily constructed using just a few simple household items, it is dangerously unpredictable and can explode unexpectedly," the alert warned. "Anyone who is in close proximity or handling the bottle when it explodes is at significant risk of suffering considerable injury."

The police department encourages residents to be alert for this type of activity and strongly recommends that you avoid handling any unusual or suspicious bottles that you happen to come upon.

"If you find a capped plastic bottle that shows signs of swelling, melting, or has any liquid in it, do not touch it," the alert stated. "Call 911 or the Johnston Police Department directly and an officer will respond to investigate."