Pipe Bomb Explodes at School; Student Arrested

A 15-year-old Quartz Hill High School student who had been disciplined for smoking in class was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of having set off a pipe bomb in a school restroom in apparent retaliation.

The bomb exploded about 30 minutes before the first classes began. Principal Bobby Loughridge said there were very few students on campus and that no one was injured in the explosion, which caused extensive damage to one toilet fixture. He added that the pipe bomb, which was stuffed with explosive powder and fused by match heads, could have been fatal to anyone in the restroom.

The youth was booked at Antelope Valley sheriff’s substation and released to his guardian.