Bomb charges dismissed against UNA student
Published 9:56 am Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Felony charges against a University of North Alabama student from Wilsonville and three other students accused of making and detonating an acid bomb outside a fraternity house have been dismissed.
Josh Woods, UNA public relations director, said the Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office made the decision to dismiss charges against Aaron Bush, 19, of Wilsonville; William Dill, 22, of Muscle Shoals, Collins Montgomery, 18, of Moulton; and Dusty Talley, 18, of Tupelo, Miss. They were each charged with criminal possession of explosives – a Class C felony.
Woods said a police report was made on Feb. 21 after a loud boom was heard near UNA’s fraternity row, where officers found the remains of a homemade explosive known as a “Drano Bomb” — a small, plastic soda bottle containing toilet cleaner.
“After some investigation, (police) identified the four individuals and obtained arrest warrants,” Woods said.
Authorities say Drano Bombs can cause blindness and third-degree burns. Woods said the university is grateful the incident ended without injury.
“Fortunately, no one was injured and no property damage was done,” said Woods, adding the bomb remains were found in the middle of the street. “These devices can do some very serious damage.”
The four men were arrested Feb. 25 and held at the Lauderdale County Detention Center, where Bush, Talley and Montgomery were released on $1,000 bond each. Dill was released on $2,000 bond.
The four men – also members of the university’s cross country team – have been expelled from UNA, Woods said. They will stand before the university’s hearing board within the next week.
Woods said the board could overturn the expulsions.