Teen Student Arrested Over Failed Science Experiment

A Bartow High School student with straight ‘As’ was arrested on Monday, accused of detonating a bottle of explosive materials on school grounds.

16-year-old Kiera Roslyn Wilmot and a friend, who has not been named, mixed household chemicals (aluminium foil and toilet bowl cleaner) in a small water bottle.  In less than a minute there was a reaction inside the bottle blowing off the cap with a pop.  While the explosion let off a small amount of smoke, no one was hurt nor was school property damaged.

Wilmot told Principal Ron Pritchard, who walked over to her following the explosion, that she was conducting a science experiment.  The teen also told police the same thing, adding that she thought the materials would produce only smoke. Her friend walked away, following the explosion.

Pritchard said Wilmot has an exemplary record and is a good student.  He said he didn’t believe there was any malicious intent on her part, but that Wilmot was curious and is a good kid.  Her friends say and the school confirms that she loves science.

But Wilmot’s science experiment was enough to get her handcuffed, arrested and expelled from school. She has been charged with two felonies: possession/discharge of a weapon on school grounds” and “discharging a destructive device.”

According to Business Insider, scientists around the world are showing support for the high schooler by tweeting about the explosions, fires, and general disruption they’ve caused as kids (and adults in some cases).

Polk County Schools released this statement:

“Anytime a student makes a bad choice it is disappointing to us. Unfortunately, the incident that occurred at Bartow High School yesterday was a serious breach of conduct. In order to maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, we simply must uphold our code of conduct rules. We urge our parents to join us in conveying the message that there are consequences to actions. We will not compromise the safety and security of our students and staff.”

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