How We Investigate: Explosives Unit
Explosives Unit
The Explosives Unit assigned two examiners to this case. One examiner, a Forensic Chemist, examined the powder that was in the suspected explosive device and determined that it was consistent with smokeless powder, a low explosive. Smokeless powder is commonly used as the propellant in pistol and rifle bullets.
Another examiner in the Explosives Unit, an Explosives and Hazardous Devices Examiner, x-rayed the remains of the flashlight. This examiner determined that the flashlight had been modified to become an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), also known as a homemade bomb. The IED was constructed using smokeless powder and an electric blasting cap hidden inside the flashlight. The power for the IED was supplied by the batteries inside the flashlight. This type of IED is also called a “booby trap” since it is designed to function when someone picks up the flashlight and unknowingly turns it on.