Mar 7, 2008 4:52 pm US/Pacific
Student Arrested In UCD Bomb Scare Out On Bail
DAVIS (CBS 5 / AP) ―
The University of California, Davis freshman arrested after authorities discovered what they believe were bomb-making materials in his dorm room is scheduled to appear in court next month.
Mark Christopher Woods was arrested Thursday on suspicion of two felonies—possession of chemicals to make explosives and possession of explosive materials on school grounds.
The discovery prompted campus authorities to evacuate more than 400 students from the Tercero Student Housing complex. But police later said the materials were not dangerous because they had not been mixed.
Friends defended Woods as a curious student who liked to experiment but never meant to hurt anyone.
Police are reporting that the evacuation came after a small explosion took place in the building.
Police received a call from a concerned parent nearly three hours later, telling authorities that her daughter said she heard an explosion inside the dormitory.
"We are particularly thankful that someone did the right thing and came forward to report this potentially harmful activity," said UC Davis Police Chief Annette Spicuzza. "We are pleased that the safety and well being of UC Davis residents has not been compromised."
Other students told CBS that it sounded like a firework. Police say the explosion took place in building D of the Tercero complex.
"Campus police and fire officials evacuated one portion of our student housing complex as a precaution, and we commend those students for their cooperation with authorities throughout the evening," said Fred Wood, vice chancellor for student affairs. "The evacuation went smoothly, as did their return back to their rooms."
Woods, 18, was released from the Yolo County Jail on Thursday, after posting $100,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for April 4.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
