By Billy Davis

Pranksters who damaged mailboxes by combining chemicals in a plastic bottle have drawn the interest of someone not impressed with their knowledge of chemistry.

“We’re offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest. We want to catch them,” said Batesville Police Chief Tony Jones.

BPD incident reports show mailboxes were damaged at 225 Dettor Street and 1645 Brewer Road on September 29 and September 30 respectively.

Jones reminded the public that destruction of a mailbox can be considered a federal offense, especially if someone is injured.

Detective Jeremiah Brown called the incidents a “chemical reaction more than an explosion.” Both mailboxes were damaged but not destroyed, he said. No one was injured.

A soda bottle was used in the first incident, and an oil bottle was used in the second. Balls of aluminum foil were stuffed into the bottles along with chemicals that police did not identify.

“The chemical reaction creates pressure inside the bottle,” explained Deputy Chief Don Province, who recalled a similar incident more than a year ago that used ammonia tablets.

To report a tip about the crime, contact the Batesville Police Department at 563-5653.