Bottle bombs found at Hilo school

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Police have initiated a felony investigation in connection with bottle bombs found at Waiakea Intermediate School on Monday.

Police have initiated a felony investigation in connection with bottle bombs found at Waiakea Intermediate School on Monday.

South Hilo patrol officers responded to a call shortly after 8 a.m. reporting that several homemade explosives had been found on campus. Officers learned that an employee had found two exploded bottles and another that was ready to explode near the “Q” building. The bottle that had not yet exploded was safely discharged for the public’s protection.

Police have classified the case as a possession of prohibited weapons case, which is a Class C felony. Police urge the public not to touch or shake any plastic bottle they find, as bottle bombs, which are typically made of plastic bottles filled with ordinary household products, explode when shaken.

Police ask anyone with information about this incident to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.