Beware of the 'Pop-Bottle' Bomb

Police are cautioning residents to not just assume that a bottle by the side of the road is harmless after a pop-bottle bomb exploded outside a home just east of Lahser Road Friday.

No one was injured in the explosion, which damaged the lawn at a home on Turnberry Court at about 9:50 p.m., according to a report from the Beverly Hills Department of Public Safety. No suspect information was available and the incident remains under investigation.

Commonly known as “works” or “MacGyver” bombs, in reference to the 1980s television show, police said the devices are made of household cleaning products and are the subject of countless viral videos and tutorials on the Internet.

When combined with a carbonated liquid, the household cleaning products start a chemical reaction that builds pressure in the resealed bottle, the police report said. The pressure leads to the explosion, and the often bubbling liquid that escapes can cause burns and other injuries to those nearby.

Setting them off is illegal and potentially dangerous, said Lt. Phil Langmeyer of the Bloomfield Township Police Department. No incidents have been reported recently in the township, but he said these type of pranks are typically not isolated.

“There are usually more than one when these are set so it’s not a good idea to be picking them up,” Langmeyer said. “You’ve got to be careful and let us know if you see something suspicious like this by the side of the road so that we or the fire department can take a look at it.”

Anyone caught manufacturing this type of explosive device could be charged with felony possession of a substance with explosive capabilities under Michigan law. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison if there is no resulting damage, and up to 20 years if damage occurs. The penalties are stiffer if injuries occur.

Anyone with information about the recent incident is encouraged to contact the Beverly Hills Department of Public Safety at 248-540-3400.