Explosive Device Found Near LI School; Other Devices Exploded: Police

MERRICK, NY — Nassau police are investigating after an improvised explosive device (IED) was found outside of a Merrick school on Friday morning.

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said it was a "soda bomb," a crude IED made by mixing two chemicals causing a plastic bottle to explode. However, Ryder said the IED they found had BBs in it. It was located about 200 yards from Norman Levy Lakeside Elementary School.

Police said several other devices were detonated overnight on the school's field.

The BBs were tested, made safe and the taken to an area off the school grounds, police said.

"By putting BBs in there, you've now made a device that is meant to hurt people," Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said, according to a CBS 2 report.

Further investigation at surrounding schools had negative results.

Blakeman said they don't have a motive for the devices.

Ryder said they are increasing patrols. No one was injured.

Anyone with information about the explosives is asked to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.