WEST OCEAN CITY — One local man and four juveniles were arrested for manufacturing and possessing explosive devices after allegedly tossing homemade bombs from their vehicle in the Glen Riddle community late Friday night.
Shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, Maryland State Police received numerous calls from the area of Maid at Arms Lane in the Glen Riddle community along Route 50 in West Ocean City in reference to a red pick-up truck driving through the neighborhood and throwing explosive devices from the vehicle. MSP troopers, along with Worcester County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded and were able to locate the suspect vehicle moments after the calls were placed and conducted a traffic stop just outside the community.
An extensive investigation revealed the suspects, including one adult and four juveniles, were throwing homemade bombs from the vehicle. The explosive devices were manufactured from common household products purchased at a local convenience store. The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office also responded and identified the homemade explosive devices as “hydrogen gas bombs.”
According to the MSP, the suspects not only put citizens and property at risk, but also put themselves at risk while manufacturing the bombs. The devices explode and can cause severe chemical burns. The investigation revealed the devices were manufactured in the passenger area of the vehicle, passed to other occupants and subsequently thrown out of the vehicle as a chemical reaction was taking place.
Several of the devices exploded on the roadways and near home and vehicles within the Glen Riddle community. One local adult, whose name is being withheld at the moment because of the ongoing investigation, along with four juveniles were arrested and charged with manufacturing and possessing an explosive device and reckless endangerment.
The four juveniles were released to their parents, while the adult was taken before a District Court Commissioner and later released. No injuries or private property damage was reported. Manufacturing and possessing an explosive device is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of 25 years and/or a $250,000 fine. Reckless endangerment carries a maximum penalty of five years and/or a $5,000 fine.