MERCER COUNTY —
The “exploding target” chemical mixture that caused the booms that startled residents of South Pymatuning Township on Sunday may be legal to buy and sell in Pennsylvania, but “collateral” crimes could occur if it’s used improperly, Mercer County District Attorney Robert G. Kochems said Monday.
On Sunday evening, people who live on Tamarack Drive were startled by a series of explosions that turned out to be “a great afternoon of fun” as they’re described on a website that sells the material.
No charges were filed Monday by South Py police, but Kochems said he was contacted after the incident.
“I want to know more about it,” Kochems said of the chemicals, which sell on the Internet for about $180 for 50 pounds in bulk.
The chemicals are in powdered form that aren’t explosive until they’re mixed together, then shot and hit by a center-fire rifle.
“I think people have to be aware of the inherent danger of what they’re playing with,” Kochems said.
“You can start a fire with one of these explosions. There’re a lot of collateral issues that might be criminal that are just downright foolhardy and dangerous,” he said.
No one was hurt Sunday, but many people who live in South Py were startled. “It rattled your guts,” said Erica McCracken, who made the report to 911.
The substances have been blamed for sparking brush fires out West and two Pennsylvania Game Commission workers were hurt earlier this month when one of the targets ignited a fire on state gamelands in Pike County.
“I can see all sorts of terrible scenarios with this thing,” Kochems said. “My fear is it becomes popular in the city.”
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