An Arapahoe County deputy was injured Monday by a dry ice bomb while investigating a report of gunshots.
Deputies were called to the 8200 block of South Newport Court in Centennial at 11:40 p.m. after there were multiple reports of gunshots in the area.
While investigating, the deputy was injured when the improvised explosive device exploded near him.
The deputy was treated at the location and a search of the area revealed no additional devices.
A witness reported observing several juveniles getting out of a car and placing three to four bottles in the street prior to the explosions.
Bryan Morelock lives nearby and heard the explosions.
"I came to the window and I saw the kids running to their car," Morelock said. "I saw one bottle hadn't exploded and thought about popping it, but I figured if it didn't go off by now, they just didn't do it right."
Arapahoe County Undersheriff Dave Walcher said they want to find the people responsible.
"They're putting the public in jeopardy and they're taking up valuable resources and ultimately they're committing a criminal act and they need to be held accountable," Walcher said.
If anyone has any information on the identity of the juveniles or information about the explosive devices please call the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office at 303-795-4711. A reward is being offered for relevant information.
Dry ice bombs explode from pressure and not from combustion. They frequently injure people because the times of the explosions are unpredictable and the pressure blast can send plastic shards into the faces of pranksters.
In Colorado, only those 18 and older can purchase dry ice.
Copyright 2011 by TheDenverChannel.com. All rights reserved.
