UM officials investigate exploding bottle

A University of Maine student at an Orono dormitory called public safety officials late Sunday night after hearing an explosion outside the building. Officers found a plastic soda bottle that exploded at 10:55 p.m. behind Knox Hall near the volleyball courts on the campus, UM spokesman Joe Carr said.

An acidic liquid was found in the bottle, which was identified as household chemicals mixed with other materials, and was made to explode, Carr said. Orono Fire Department’s hazardous material team examined the bottle and then disposed of it at a hazardous waste site, according to the UM spokesman.

“This is not a harmless prank,” Carr said. “It could result in harmful injury, whether [from] the chemicals themselves or pieces of the bottle when it exploded.” The incident is still under investigation by UM Public Safety. Anyone with information is urged to call 581-4040.

The Husson College community may start locking its doors after two students had property stolen while on campus recently. One female student reported a Coach brand purse stolen from her dormitory room, while a football player’s cell phone was stolen from his locker during practice.

The woman had left her door propped slightly open twice between 8 and 9 p.m. Sunday, during which time the purse was stolen, according to police reports. The purse, valued at $300, was taken from Hart Hall and contained $30 in cash, Gucci brand sunglasses and two credit cards. A $500 charge was made on one of the credit cards before the student could cancel it, according to police reports.

The man’s cell phone was stolen Thursday night and valued at $50. The Bangor Police Department is investigating both incidents.

The traditional Thursday night bingo held at the American Legion Hall on Park Street in Orono attracted a burglar last week, who stole four power tools from an unlocked truck, according to Sgt. Josh Ewing at the Orono Police Department. The four power tools were valued at $275. The owner did not realize the tools were missing until Monday when he filed the report, Ewing said. The theft remains under investigation.

– Compiled by BDN reporter Toni-Lynn Robbins