Ithaca College

The Ithaca College Office of Public Safety is investigating an isolated incident involving a series of homemade "bottle bombs" that erupted on campus on Monday, April 5, 2010. No one was injured and there was no visible property damage from the devices.

Public safety student auxiliary staff were on patrol at approximately 10:53 p.m. when they discovered that four (4) bottle bombs had erupted on a set of bleachers in the L lot softball field. A fifth device had failed to erupt. Because of the potential danger, the area was cordoned off and the Ithaca Fire Department hazardous materials team, Bangs Ambulance and the Endicott Police Department bomb squad provided assistance at the scene. The device was safely removed at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Bottle bombs typically contain chemical components that create an explosive gas when mixed. It is not yet known which specific chemicals were used to create these devices.

While the devices did not appear to be directed toward specific individuals or properties, they are considered dangerous because their explosive results and chemical contents can cause serious injuries.

The Office of Public Safety is investigating the offense as a reckless endangerment. Anyone who may have information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Office of Public Safety at 607-274-3333 or leave an anonymous voice mail message at 607-274-1060. 

Immediately report all crimes to the Office of Public Safety.

As required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act [20 USC 1092 (f)], Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, and subsequent amendments, the crimes reported that mandate a "timely warning notice" are in the categories of aggravated assault, arson, burglary, murder and non-negligent homicide, robbery, sexual offenses (forcible and non-forcible), and motor vehicle theft.

The Office of Public Safety monitors the crime reports it receives from the campus community and local police agencies and issues public safety alerts to the campus community on any incidents that are considered to be a serious or continuing threat to students and employees.