West View Police Say Teen Set off Homemade Bombs, Others Slashed Tires

A preliminary hearing for an 18-year-old man accused of two felonies and three misdeameanors in an incident involving the making and setting off of small bombs in the woods behind Frankfort Avenue is scheduled for Oct. 19. 

Austin Simmons, of 134 Glenmore Avenue, and two 17-year-old boys were found setting off "Works" bombs — homemade bottle bombs — on Thursday, Sept. 22, after officers reported to the area for sounds of shots fired, police said. 

The tires of eight vehicles along Center Avenue and Oakwood and Richland Avenues were also found slashed that same night. The two 17-year-olds are being charged with criminal mischief to vehicles for the damage, and are being processed through juvenile court. 

Police did not release the names of the juveniles. The names of minors involved in criminal cases and the disposition of those cases are not typically public record, according to state law. 

Simmons is charged with causing or risking catastrophe and criminal conspiracy, both felony charges. He is also charged with recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and corruption of minors.