By Danny Valentine, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
WESLEY CHAPEL — Wesley Chapel High School was placed on a modified lockdown Tuesday morning after a homemade acid bomb was activated, according to the Pasco County Sheriff's Office.
An assistant principal noticed something smoking in a courtyard garbage can about 8 a.m., about a half hour after classes started, school district spokeswoman Summer Romagnoli said. She said the item did not explode and there was no fire. No one was injured.
The school called 911 and the campus was placed on modified lockdown, which means students must remain in their classrooms. The lockdown was lifted shortly before 10 a.m.
Deputies said the device was a homemade acid bomb. "It's along the lines of baking soda and vinegar," said Sheriff's Office spokesman Kevin Doll. It may have been fashioned out of a soda can, Romagnoli said.
Doll said it was not considered a serious threat. "Kids make these all the time."
Pasco County Fire Rescue responded to the scene to clean up the mess.