Residents seek an end to 'Drano bomb' blasts
The homemade bombs have been set off in various locations.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
GIRARD -- Someone has been setting off "Drano bombs" at various locations in the city, and residents are asking police and city council to put an end to the criminal activity.
Drano bombs are made by mixing household chemicals, including those similar to the drain opener Drano, in a plastic bottle.
City police are investigating two reports of Drano bombs set off at homes over the weekend.
According to police reports, a woman heard a loud explosion outside her Woodlawn Street home Thursday night. She reported the incident Friday and officers found a Gatorade bottle and empty toilet bowl cleaner bottle in the yard.
An elderly city man reported a Drano bomb detonated in his Dravis Avenue yard Saturday night. He also said there were eggs thrown in the yard. Drano bombs have been placed in the man's yard on two previous occasions.
Neighbors of the Dravis Avenue man addressed city council about the situation during a meeting Monday. One woman said the attacks have made the man nervous and neighbors are concerned about his health.
"Why he is being picked on I don't know," she said. "We are very worried. He is elderly and this might lead to a heart attack."
Officials' responses
Mayor James Melfi said the bombs go far beyond childish pranks.
"I am appalled that people would do this. This is very serious and someone could get hurt," he said. "We are hopeful that the police investigation will put an end to this."
Councilman Michael Costarella said police have been working on the case and have a number of suspects. He said there is evidence that they hope will lead to an arrest soon.
Councilman Larry Williams said residents in the areas where the bombs have been detonated should make use of the block watches. He said neighbors keeping an eye out on the neighborhood could make a tremendous difference.