California Officials Warn Parents of Bottle Bombs

NOVATO, Calif. — School officials in Northern California are warning parents about the apparent spread of so-called "bottle bombs" — homemade explosives made from drink containers filled with Drano or other household chemicals.

KTVU-TV is reporting the Novato Unified School District on Wednesday sent an e-mail warning principals and parents about the explosives.

Sgt. David Bettin of the Novato Police Department says his agency has seen an increase in reports about bottle bombs over the past few weeks.

Police say the chemical-filled bottles can explode with great force when shaken.

Officials say no one in Novato has been injured by a bottle bomb, but they want residents to be aware so they don't accidentally cause one to explode.

KTVU-TV reports that people caught with a bottle bomb can face felony charges.