A University student was arrested on a felony charge and referred to the University Judiciary Committee after detonating what he termed a "Drano bomb" on March 25.
The student, a College first-year, was arrested on March 27 for violating a law prohibiting the manufacture, transport, distribution, possession or use of a "fire bomb or explosive materials or devices," according to a press release issued yesterday by the University Police. He said said that he was charged with a class-five felony and was released Monday night on a $10,000 unsecured bond.
University Police Capt. Michael Coleman confirmed that an officer on normal patrol noticed two plastic bottles sitting on a guardrail in the Upper Hereford Parking Lot March 25 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Coleman said two University students were standing in the parking lot. No charges have been filed against the second student.
The student who is being charged approached the officer and told him the bottles were about to explode, which occurred about 30 seconds later, according to the press release.
The student said he was setting off a "Drano bomb," which causes "an expanding gas to build up and explode." He added that after the bottles exploded, he was taken to the station, where he gave a written statement and was then released.
The student said he was contacted by police Monday and asked to return to the station to fill out paperwork. He said he asked to be picked up, and when the officer arrived in the company of another officer, they arrested him and took him to the station.
Coleman said University Police "do not comment on investigations."
A hearing was held yesterday morning, and a trial date has been set for April 27, the charged student said.
"I didn't know they were illegal," the student said of the "Drano bomb."
After meeting with Associate Dean of Students Aaron Laushway yesterday, the student said he is being referred to the UJC for violations of the Standards of Conduct.
Read More
Student Council passes resolution to uphold student voices during presidential search
By Lauren Seeliger | 11 hours agoThe resolution requests that five students be included on the search committee, and that the Board of Visitors provides key updates to the student body throughout the search process.
Senior VP for Operations Colette Sheehy looks back at her career at the University
By Brandon Kile | 2 days agoSheehy’s role involved overseeing the work of around 2,500 University employees, including custodians, architects and engineers.
Will the Faculty Senate’s no-confidence vote impact the U.Va. Board of Visitors?
By Brandon Kile | 3 days agoIn many cases, a no-confidence vote may soon be followed by steps taken to remove the leadership that may be acting against the wishes of a community.
