Explosives At Cole Field; Williams College Students Involved
Williamstown - Three Williams College students described by police as "thrillseekers" will be summonsed to appear at the Northern Berkshire District Court on several charges after college security officers discovered a homemade bomb had been assembled and ignited at a southwest corner of Cole Field.The discovery was made on April 15, according to information released by town police.
Police said they are seeking charges of possession of an infernal machine and disorderly conduct against the students. The names of the three students are not being released, said police and college officials. Kolesar declined to specify whether the students involved were first-, second-, third-, or fourth-year students.
According to information released to the media by police, "[the students] intent was not to cause damage or injury but to pursue their curiosity about such a device."
Police said that they were called by college security officers at 12:42 a.m. on Sunday, and upon investigation, found evidence that a "homemade explosive device" had been assembled at the field. The bomb was ignited but it failed to burn or explode, police said. Police said the area was remote and well away from any buildings.
The investigation was conducted by town police, members of the Massachusetts State Police, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and college safety and security officers. Police emphasized that the three students were cooperative during the investigation.
Police released information about the incident at 9 a.m. today.
Williams College officials expected to release a statement about the incident at the same time but have encountered technical difficulties with that release.
The statement will be released as soon as possible, said college Director of Public Affairs James Kolesar.
