Police Investigating 'MacGyver Bombs' In Montevideo

MONTEVIDEO, Minn. (WCCO) -- Police in a western Minnesota town want to know who is responsible for setting off a series of chemical bombs.

Over the past two days, Montevideo police have found eight of the so-called "MacGyver bombs" on 5th and 7th streets.

"It's strange and it's dangerous," said Angel O'Malley.

O'Malley lives on 5th Street, two doors down from where a woman and her three children found four "MacGyver Bombs" in their yard.

"As far as the amount that there is, it's scary to have the kids outside," O'Malley said.

Montevideo Police said the person making these is putting aluminum and a chemical inside plastic pop bottles. Some of the bombs have been wrapped in a mesh, which could help heighten the force of the explosion.

"It's creating a chemical reaction and the explosion is big enough that it throws chemical in the air and could potentially burn someone," said police chief Adam Christopher.

Christopher said an officer was hurt a couple years ago by one of these bombs and the real concern is how unpredictable they are.

"I think one of the more dangerous things is the chemical reaction can take a long time or a short time. I don't think anybody knows," Christopher said.

Christopher said they do have a suspect right now, and he has a criminal history.

His name is not being released at this time.

Anyone with information about this case should contact Montevideo Police, and you can remain anonymous.