Can someone get arrested for setting off a small explosion and recording it on video?

[Hemlockrulez]

I've seen lots of videos online of people setting off illegal fireworks or small homemade bombs without licenses. If an individual were to set off an unlawful conflagration (where no people or property were damaged) and record the event on video, could policemen prosecute the individual based solely on the video evidence?

[mcsap]

Generally, probably not. But there are always other circumstances that can come into play. Who video'd you ?

[Hemlockrulez]

Not me in particular. But I was thinking of making a little explosion in a [safe environment] sometime (and putting the video on facebook), but I'm just not fond of the idea of going to jail and having a police record.

[retdetsgt]

Here the police don't worry about it, but the fire marshal's office does and they do make arrests. To do it off of a video, I would imagine it would have had to involve some pretty dangerous stuff though.

[mobrien316]

In Connecticut, yes, you could be arrested. And the charge would be regarding "illegal explosives" and would be fairly heavy.

The only kind of firewords you can legally own or use (without a state permit) are sparklers and smokers. Anything that makes a noise or goes aerial is classified as "explosives".

[icu650]

Obviously you are concerned about the consequences surrounding this wanna do explosion just to put on You Tube. I strongly suggest that you look further on this site at all the questions we get concerning the stupid things people have done growing up that now affect their chance of becoming a police officer. Whether or not this is a career for you or not a police record for setting off an explosion or possession of an explosive device could ruin your chances of becoming whatever you want to do in life.


I don't know your states laws but why take the chance, nobody on Facebook or You Tube care if you get arrested. However , could you be prosecuted solely on video evidence? It depends on your state laws and the damage or complaints pursuant to this action. I know of no explosion that does not result in some type of residual damage. Wherever you set this off, someone owns that property. Find something else that is cool and legal and put that on You Tube.

[greg72982]

Obviously you are concerned about the consequences surrounding this wanna do explosion just to put on You Tube. I strongly suggest that you look further on this site at all the questions we get concerning the stupid things people have done growing up that now affect their chance of becoming a police officer. Whether or not this is a career for you or not a police record for setting off an explosion or possession of an explosive device could ruin your chances of becoming whatever you want to do in life.


I don't know your states laws but why take the chance, nobody on Facebook or You Tube care if you get arrested. However , could you be prosecuted solely on video evidence? It depends on your state laws and the damage or complaints pursuant to this action. I know of no explosion that does not result in some type of residual damage. Wherever you set this off, someone owns that property. Find something else that is cool and legal and put that on You Tube.

I'm not sure this guy wants to be a cop, he's just asking about getting arrested

[TEXASCOP]

First off I'm not recommending that you set off an explosion. If you set off an explosion, but did not video it and post it online then no one would know about it. The problem with posting it online is that it could come to the attention of the local police or even the ATFE. If the video causes one of your local whistle blowers to make a stink about it then yeah you just provided the police/ATFE with all the evidence they need to investigate and possibly prosecute. I'm not a FED, but maybe we have one that will respond/correct my reply. I believe as far as the federal laws regarding explosive devices, its going to depend on the material you are using to make the device.

Under Texas law and "Explosive weapon" means any explosive or incendiary bomb, grenade, rocket, or mine, that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury, death, or substantial property damage, or for the principal purpose of causing such a loud report as to cause undue public alarm or terror, and includes a device designed, made, or adapted for delivery or shooting an explosive weapon.

The offense title is listed under the Texas Penal Code Sec. 46.09. COMPONENTS OF EXPLOSIVES. A person commits an offense if the person knowingly possesses components of an explosive weapon with the intent to combine the components into an explosive weapon for use in a criminal endeavor. An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

[ChesCopPodz]

Here it's considered arson, and we've been prosecuting it. We get a ton of calls for works bombs, dry ice bombs, or explosions you describe, and we call out one of our bomb guys on every unexploded one we find, resulting in a lot of wasted time and money, so the department has issued a memo stating that we will arrest every time we can identify who set it off, and the prosecutors office has agreed to prosecute every time.

[Cat_Doc]

Not me in particular. But I was thinking of making a little explosion in a [safe environment] sometime (and putting the video on facebook), but I'm just not fond of the idea of going to jail and having a police record.

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if Homeland Security got a hit off that comment.

My advise is to not mess around with explosives at all. If you like that kind of stuff, join the military.

[retdetsgt]

Hell, I can set off an explosion by leaving a mess in the bathroom around here.

[Cat_Doc]

Hell, I often set off explosions in the bathroom after eating broccoli.

Fixed it for you, boss.