Matthew Hanson, a 21-year-old Buena Vista University student and a ROTC cadet, was arrested Tuesday for detonating a homemade explosive device about 10 feet from a residence hall. No one was injured, nor any property damage reported.

The Storm Lake Police Department alleges that Hanson created the device using a flameless heater from a prepackaged 'Meals Ready to Eat' (MRE) kit and placed it in a glass bottle. A chemical reaction caused the bottle and its contents to blow up.

The device was detonated around 10:20 p.m., Monday, near Swope Hall that sent broken glass and debris flying about 15 feet in diameter

Hanson is being charged with possession and reckless use of an explosive device, which is considered to be an aggravated and serious misdemeanor. He is currently being held at the Buena Vista County Jail on a $3,000 bond.

Assistant Chief Todd Erskine said that Hanson's motivations behind this small explosion are unclear. He also said that this incident was not an accident.

Public Safety Director Mark Prosser said that this incident stemmed from an incredibly irresponsible and dangerous idea from the student.

The police officials searched Hanson's dorm room and vehicle and found additional evidence, which was immediately seized.

"During the investigation no evidence, information, or statements were collected that in any way connected this incident to the terrible bombing incident which occurred in Boston earlier in the day," Prosser said. "It appears in our investigation that this incident was the result of an incredibly irresponsible and dangerous idea the student had on Monday evening."

These kinds of MRE bombs are usually planted by military members as pranks, often with plastic not glass bottles.