Archived News Release from 2009

For Immediate Release
                     
Redwood City Police Warn Community about “Acid Bombs”

Redwood City, CA - July 13, 2009 - Recently there have been several reports of so-called “acid bombs” in unincorporated Redwood City and in the City of Belmont. These are normally large plastic soda bottles containing caustic chemicals which are designed to create a chemical reaction and explode.These devices can be extremely dangerous, and they may detonate unexpectedly.

The Redwood City Police Department is advising the community to be aware of any such suspicious bottles, or other suspicious packages. Anyone who sees a suspicious object like this is strongly urged NOT to handle it. The proper action is to clear the immediate area and call 911. Do not touch the bottle or any other suspicious packages.

An “acid bomb” can often be identified by the following characteristics:

• The plastic bottle may have masking or duct tape around it to prevent it from melting
• It may be hot or be bulging
• There will be aluminum foil inside the bottle (part of the chemical reaction).
• The liquid inside the bottle may be greenish-yellow and may be foamy, and may put off an "acid" or "sulfuric acid" smell.
• It may have nails, screws or other secondary sharp objects taped to the bottle.
• The bottle may be placed in front of a door way or other area accessible to foot traffic.

To reiterate, these devices can be very dangerous – if any member of the community sees any such item, they are advised to clear the immediate area and call 911.

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Contact:
Sergeant Eric Stasiak
Redwood City Police Department
(650) 780-7100