Calvin students' charges to be dropped

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Three Calvin College students accused of making "pop bottle bombs" on campus will not face charges.

Drew Sikkema, Don Mpindi and Nathaniel VanEck will have their charges dismissed as long as they complete a program similar to probation, Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth said Wednesday.

The trio was charged with placing an offensive or injurious substance with intent to annoy after an incident April 9. The three allegedly set off up to 12 so-called "pop-bottle bombs," tossing them out a dorm window into a courtyard. Dry ice combines with other ingredients to increase pressure and cause the plastic bottles to explode.

There are consequences to actions like those, Forsyth said. But no one was injured, and he believes the three would be better off with discipline that will keep their records clean, he added.

"During my career, I have witnessed many otherwise good young people make bad choices that have had regrettable and unintended consequences," Forsyth said in a written statement. "Some of those youthful indiscretions resulted in death, loss of an eye, broken bones, burns and other lesser injuries. In this case, thankfully, no one was hurt."

Along with the program, the students will have to pay about $800 in restitution to the city of Grand Rapids for the cost of the fire and police response to the incident.

The school released the following statement:

"Calvin College would like to thank the Grand Rapids police and fire departments, and the prosecutor, for their consistently professional response to this recent situation at the college. We already have been working closely with the three young men who caused the events that began this case. They have taken responsibility for what they did and apologized for their actions. Now, with today's decision, we can continue to move forward with them, helping them to understand the results of unintended consequences and supervising them in their community service. These three Calvin students had a well-deserved reputation as terrific young men.

"They indeed are that, but now also are wiser young men. We look forward to continuing to walk alongside them as they continue to grow in God's wisdom and grace."