Home evacuated after pickle jar draws bomb squad

A home on Princeton Avenue was evacuated Sunday after the residents discovered a pickle jar containing nails and a white, solid substance, sealed with tape and a string extending from the top.

The device turned out to be a jar containing a butane fire starter tablet and nails, according to Sheriff's Sgt. Jim Halsey. The fuse was made of yarn dipped in wax.

The Tahoe-Douglas Explosive Ordnance Demolition unit responded to the scene at 8:10 p.m. and safely disposed of the device.

Two juveniles, 16 and 17, who claimed the device was assembled six months ago out of boredom, were charged with unlawful manufacturing and possession of an explosive/incendiary device and were released to their parents.

Halsey said the residents returned Sunday to the house in the 3400 block of Princeton after a trip to Idaho and noticed the jar in the bushes along the house.

They brought the device into the house and determined that it contained nails and a white substance along with the "wick."

They asked their sons about the object and one admitted it was a "bomb" made by his friend. The adults contacted the sheriff's office.

Officers responded along with East Fork Fire personnel and the bomb squad and evacuated the residence.

One of the boys said his friend brought the jar to the house a month ago. He denied trying to ignite the device or having any part in making it.

He said he planned to get of it but forgot.

One of the boys called the juvenile who made the device and the suspect was brought to the residence where he revealed the contents to officers.

He denied making the device for anything specific, only out of boredom.

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