Probation Officer Injured by Explosive Meant as Prank

An explosive device intended as a senior prank at Huntington Beach High School exploded Tuesday morning as a probation officer was examining it, injuring his hand, authorities said.

Three Huntington Beach High School seniors were later arrested in connection with the explosion, which police said may cost Thomas Agee part of a thumb. School officials said it was the most serious incident in the district’s recent history.

Agee, 35, a longtime officer with the Orange County Probation Department, was listed in fair condition in the burn unit of UCI Medical Center following surgery to repair his left thumb and index finger, police and hospital officials said.

“They were experimenting, making these things to cause a little excitement and distraction,” Huntington Beach Police Sgt. Tris Swan said. “There was nothing malicious in it. But it blew up in a probation officer’s hand.”

Police arrested senior Timothy Dale, 18, of Huntington Beach, and two other youths on suspicion of possession of an explosive device, Swan said. Dale was being held in the city jail in lieu of $25,000 bail. The two other youths, also seniors at the high school, were released to their parents. Their names were withheld because they are minors.

“In all probability the incident was intended to be an innocent prank, but like so many it can lead to very severe and unforeseen circumstances,” said Lawrence Kemper, superintendent for the Huntington Beach Union High School District.

Kemper said the district also will consider disciplinary measures against the trio that could include expulsion.

“In the past, such events have been dealt with in a very firm manner. This will certainly impact their status for graduation (June 13),” he said.

Police said the Tuesday morning explosion was at least the second one attributed to the youths. They were believed responsible for an explosion Monday in a campus trash can.

The device found Tuesday morning by a football coach on the campus athletic field was wrapped in foil, Kemper said. One or more boys who were nearby were brought to the dean’s office for questioning.

A short time later, the dean was discussing a separate case in his office with Agee and the two began to examine the wrapped foil.

Agee remarked that it resembled a concussion-type bomb used to shock fish after unwrapping the cigar-shaped device that resembles a powerful firecracker, Kemper said. There were also wires that were not attached to the explosive.