The Michigan State Police Bomb Squad exploded eight low-power homemade explosives on Friday at Melrose Apartments, one of East Lansing's largest off-campus student complexes.
Apartment officials said student residents built the explosives themselves before tossing them from their balconies. East Lansing police responded to a call about the explosives at 9:30 a.m. Friday.
When police arrived, some of the so-called "MacGyver bombs" already had exploded, but eight remained. The bomb squad immediately was called to detonate the devices at Melrose, located at 16789 Chandler Road.
No arrests have been made.
Nicknamed after bombs used on the popular television show "MacGyver," the explosives are built with a bottle, tin foil and chemicals. The explosives are similar to firecrackers but are capable of causing serious injuries.
Calling the incident dangerous "child's play," East Lansing police Capt. Juli Liebler said there were no injuries, and officers are close to determining who is responsible.
"People do this as a prank," Liebler said. "It is like knocking over mailboxes. They put (the bombs) on a front yard or in a mailbox."
Even though the bombs typically aren't highly powerful, Liebler said they still can be destructive and cause serious injuries.
"These potentially can harm someone," Liebler said. "Someone could lose an eye or their hearing."
While it is unclear what the motive was for making the bombs, Liebler said the students were "just probably having fun."
Typically, though, police find high school students rather than college students building homemade bombs.
Daniel Ambrose, CEO of the Florida-based Integroup Realty Trust, which owns Melrose Apartments, said Friday that his company is looking into the incident.
"Our concentration is always with the well-being of our residents, and we will work with the local authorities to assure the continued well-being of our residents," Ambrose said.
John Kerrigan, a spokesman for Integroup, released a statement Saturday saying complex managers are helping authorities identify those responsible.
"The management at Melrose considers these incidents a top priority and will work with authorities to insure the well- being of their residents," the statement said.
"Our residents' happiness and peace of mind are our top concern."
East Lansing police continue to investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to call the East Lansing Police Department at (517) 337-2599.
Steve Eder can be reached at ederstev@msu.edu.
