Maybe it started out as some kind of prank, but a police officer could have been killed this week in Wichita. Fortunately, someone else with respect for the badge averted potential tragedy by alerting the officer to the object lodged in the patrol car’s gas tank — a fireworks mortar shell big enough to have destroyed the car if detonated. Realizing that someone in our community would do such an appalling thing is offset somewhat by knowing there are many more who’d act as the motorist did — to protect those who protect us.
Posted by Rhonda Holman
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19 Comments
And people were all exercised about flipping a cop off on a neighboring thread.
IMO, we need to pay more attention to these kinds of issues than worry about how people express themselves.
Isn’t there any video surveillance in the Patrol North parking lot? And why is the PD buying vehicles without locking gas cap covers? Any number of things can be put in gas tanks, and given the number of people with good reasons to dislike cops, it just makes sense, you know?
But, Tom, what if the key(s) are lost? :-)
Ronda lets not suggest it as a prank when your article link said that the bomb squad had determined that it was not a dud.
What does a mortar shell firework do? Is it like the M-80s or whatever they were called?
A match and a gas-soaked rag would have the same effect, so not sure other than the igniting fumes what the firework had to do potential danger.
Regardless, a serious situation, someone needs to be punished for it.
A mortar shell is one that is made to be used with a tube or some sort. It is an aerial display shell. THey come in lots of different sizes, from about 1 inch to 12 or 14 inches (available only to those with a commercial liscence.
Vaughn,
We own two Fords. Both gas cap covers lock from inside the vehicle.
And if a cop loses his keys, well, that’s just stupid.
A reward should be offered for info on who did it and, if they are caught, they should be charged with the attempted murder of a police officer and given about a 20 year prison term.
I wonder how anyone intended to detonate the thing? Without an ignition source, it’s just a piece of junk.Now if there were wires or a timer…
Sounds to me like a childish prank.
xxx-
From the linked article:
“The officer discovered that a fireworks mortar shell about the size of a golf ball had been jammed into the tube of the gas tank, and a foot-long fuse was dangling along the side of the car, Capt. Terry Nelson said.”
I agree with Tom all police Cars should key locks on the gas. few bucks for a lock can prevent thousands of dollars in damage, sugar, sand, syrup, and number of substances can ruin a car, and ultimately its Us the taxpayers that pay.
I have to agree with TOm and Tom
lj, I have this ridiculous mental picture of some moron running along side of a police car trying to light a fuse.
xxx-
Yeah, now I have it. Thanks.
Regardless, I think the threat was there, and should be investigated. I bet it was one of thos fourth of july mortar shells that can be bought about anywhere. Same size, about the same length of fuse.
I was under the impression that most police and city vehicles were converted to run on natural gas. If so, wouldn’t the gas tank be empty? Wouldn’t it be sealed shut?
XXX,
It could very well be that the perpetrator was interrupted in the middle of committing the crime. People walking out of the police station, or a car pulling into the lot. Or too windy to light the fuse, even. This IS Kansas in August…
I can’t believe anyone would defend this as harmless at all. There are numerous ways that could have ignited, especially on a hot day.
If you feel so safe, how bout you stick one in your gas tank and drive around.
Didn’t think so.
I want to know how the guy pulled it off. As noted above; they have locking gas caps.
Folks, I think this is a message, NOT a prank. If they can get to a Police car and do this…..Well, Bagdad (Your home) is right around the corner.
Perhaps we should “Vote No” to “increased Crime!” or don’t some of these criminals vote?
Ok, Kansas tried to blow up the cop car, until he burned his lips on the muffler!