Four Charged in Bottle Bombing Union University
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JACKSON, Tenn.- Jackson police said they have charged four men with setting off bottle bombs, also known as chemical reaction devices, on Union University’s campus that created night-time explosions last month. Collin McCartney, 18, of Humboldt, Jeffrey McCartney, 19, James Barnes, 20, and Joseph Coley, 19, have each been charged with two counts of disorderly conduct. According to police, shortly after 11 p.m. on Sept. 22 and Sept. 26, officers responded to Union University for separate calls of explosions. Investigators said it was then discovered that chemical reaction devices had been set off on the campus, alarming students and staff. “Making loud noises, running around firing off fireworks or having a good time is fine if you do it right where nobody gets hurt,” student Trebor Briley said. “But mixing together chemicals and having them explode is just a recipe for trouble, because you never know what’s going to happen there.” Police said during the explosions no one was injured, or placed in danger. Officials said there were also no reports of property damage. Some students said they believe the men meant no harm, while others said the bombs were a cruel campus prank that went too far. “Of course we think about all of the recent school shootings that have happened, that are popping up more and more,” Briley said. Police said their investigation determined that the McCartney brothers, Barnes and Coley all traveled to the campus together on both nights and participated in setting off the devices. Officers learned that Collin McCartney is a current Union University student and the other three men are students at another Jackson college. “I mean Union students shouldn’t be doing that,” student Steven Bennett said. “We are a good campus, we’re supposed to all be Christians so we should all act like it.” Union University officials did not comment on any disciplinary actions, but did confirm their campus security officers are working closely with the Jackson Police department. “Union University is extremely grateful to the Jackson Police Department for their conscientious work in bringing this matter to a conclusion,” Union spokesman Tim Ellsworth said. On Thursday afternoon, all four men were each served with a criminal summons to turn themselves in. Officers told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News that if either man fails to appear for booking and processing by their deadline, then more charges will be filed.
