Bottle Bombs a Growing Threat in Lake Ridge

After Thursday's discovery of a bottle bomb on Berwick Place, Prince William County Police warn that chemical bottle bombs are a growing threat in the county, specifically in Lake Ridge.

Since March 18, bottle bombs have been discovered on Kempston Lane and, most recently, today on Berwick Place. 

"Due to the corrosive nature of the mixture, anyone coming in contact with the materials while manufacturing or discharging the device can sustain serious and long-term debilitating injuries," police spokesperson Jonathan Perok said. "Permanent injures to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract are common."  

Anyone found to be involved with the "possession, manufacture, or discharge of chemical bottle bombs will face criminal charges for their actions," Perok continued. They will also be expected to pay for any damages sustained, or any emergency response or cleanup needed. 

"Due to the hazardous nature of the residual material, cleanup costs can be substantial," Perok said. 

The Fire Marshal's Office and Prince William County Police are still investigating these incidents. If you find what you believe is a chemical bottle bomb, move a safe distance away from it and immediately call 911 to report it. Do not touch or move the device. For any other information, call the Fire Marshal's Office at 703-792-6360.

Note: The addresses on the map to the right are just general addresses and do not denote exact locations of bomb sites.