Several dry ice bombs are discovered in Bidwell Park overnight. Some exploded, while others were left live, forcing the Chico Police Department to bring in a bomb specialist.
The Chico Police Department says these devices are not uncommon, but most of the people experimenting with them may not know even possessing them is a felony offense.
That's why detectives are intent on tracking the suspect down.
Neighbors living near the One Mile Area of Bidwell Park were woken up to the loud sound of an explosion Monday morning.
The Chico Police Department received several 911 calls Monday morning around 12:45 for reports of explosions.
Dry ice bombs, like the ones seen here were the cause.
Lt. Mike O’Brien says, “The fact is they're illegal. It's a felony to possess them.”
A couple Chico police officers were searching the area of Sycamore Field when they heard an explosion, they found six dry ice bombs nearby.
Four had exploded while two others remained live.
An explosives ordinance technician was called in to deactivate them.
Dry ice bombs are extremely unpredictable and can explode immediately or take hours to rupture.
No damage was done, but officials say someone could've been hurt.
“They're quite dangerous for the persons putting them together,” adds O’Brien, “And for the passerby that happens to come along, maybe a kid could've picked it up and had his hand blown off.”
Police are searching for a person of interest described as a white male, ages 30 to 35, weighing 200-220 lbs, about 5’10” to 6’, last seen on a black beach cruiser.
A person who could be paying a $10,000 fine and serving time in state prison if convicted.
