Police were called to Augustana College in Rock Island for the report of a small explosion around 3am Thursday. 19-year old Brett Johnson, an Augustana student, was arrested. Johnson has been charged with disorderly conduct.
Rock Island Police say the incident happened at the Westerlin Residence Hall, which is right next to the Pepsico Recreation Center. Authorities say the device was thrown out of a dorm window and landed in between the 2 buildings.
"Upon the officers arrival they discovered it was a soda bottle, like a MacGyver type of bomb," says Deputy Chief Jason Foy with the Rock Island P.D.
Police say the device was made of common chemicals and a soda bottle. An Augustana staff member saw it get thrown out of the window and called the police and campus security.
"They heard the popping of the plastic bottle," adds Deputy Chief Foy.
Augustana College is taking the incident seriously. However, no action will be taken against Johnson right now, even though he was arrested.
"If we determine that the community would put some member of the community at risk by being here, we would remove them," says Augustana College Dean of Students Evelyn Campbell, "In this case we do not think that is a concern."
The school will investigate incident to see if any codes of conduct were violated.
"The assistant Dean of Students will meet with the student who was involved in this, any other witnesses and look at anything else we can gather," adds Campbell.
If there is a violation the student will go to trial before 3 administrators and one student panel.
"The panel would view the evidence and make a decision," says Campbell.
Johnson will continue to attend classes at Augustana College until the investigation by the school is complete.
