Police, fire respond to small explosive devices

An incident on the Northern Arizona University campus early Wednesday morning involved the Northern Arizona University Police Department, Flagstaff Police Department and the Flagstaff Fire Department.

  • Five small homemade devices made of plastic bottles containing hydrochloric acid and aluminum foil were found on the NAU campus early Wednesday morning. The devices are designed to expand and burst with serious potential for injury and property damage. NAU PD is conducting a criminal investigation.
  • One Northern Arizona University Police officer who breathed fumes from the devices was taken to Flagstaff Medical Center as a precautionary measure. No other symptoms or injuries have been reported.
  • One device detonated in a hallway inside Mountain View residence hall, causing damage to carpeting. Two devices detonated outside the building, causing no damage. One was detonated by the Flagstaff Police Department and the last was neutralized.
  • The first call came to the NAUPD at about 3 a.m. Wednesday morning.
  • Staff from the Office of Residence Life has sent a crime alert to residents of the hall and will monitor the hall throughout the holiday weekend. On Sunday, Residence Life staff will meet with students to discuss the situation.
  • In addition to criminal charges, the person responsible for the devices faces suspension or expulsion from the Arizona University System.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to call NAUPD at (928) 523-3611.