Teens Allegedly Throw ‘Works Bomb’ at Home Targeted in the Past

Seven juveniles were arrested and charged Friday after they detonated a “works bomb” at a West Des Moines home that has been targeted in the past, according to police reports.

The supplies to make a “works bomb” include a 2-liter pop bottle, toilet bowl or drain cleaner, and balled up tinfoil.

Parents of the teens, all boys and all Dowling Catholic High School students, told police they wanted to make repairs to the family’s garage, which sustained $400 damage, as soon as possible.

Three of the youths are from West Des Moines, three are from Waukee and one lives in Clive, according to a report on file at the West Des Moines Police Department.

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A 15-year-old West Des Moines boy who admitted to purchasing the supplies to make the device was charged with reckless use of fire or explosives and fourth-degree criminal mischief. The others were charged with criminal mischief for their part in the production, as well as conspiracy, aiding and abetting and harassment caused with explosive devices.

Two teens who declined to participate were not charged.

West Des Moines Police Officer Jason Lichty was dispatched to the  property in the vicinity of Cody Drive and 52nd Street about 9 p.m. Friday after the homeowner reported that a group of juveniles had exploded bottles in front of her residence and then run away.

After questioning the youths, Lichty determined that a 15-year-old West Des Moines boy obtained the supplies, then sent a text message to his friends asking: “Do you guys wanna have a works party?”

The prank wasn’t amusing to the homeowners, who told police their property has been targeted before with works bombs, toilet paper has been strewn across the property, and they have been “ding-dong ditched” on numerous occasions.

Several of the teens reportedly admitted to harassing the property owner by strewing toilet paper across the property and ringing the doorbell and running away, but declined involvement in detonating the works bomb.

The pranks were reportedly based on the victim’s husband’s reactions to their home being targeted. “I advised the juveniles that no one wants their house vandalized and that does not give them the right to target a house,” Lichty wrote.