Chemistry Project Sets Off Bomb Scare at Keys College

Extra credit leads to school evacuation and possibly charges for student

A Key West Community College student's extra credit chemistry project probably won't get him an A grade after it set off a bomb scare and evacuation at the school.

Florida Key Community College chemistry professor Bruce Gragg found the device in his school mailbox Tuesday, and when he couldn't figure out what it was, called the police.

The school was evacuated as the Monroe County Sheriff's Office bomb squad team responded and had the Stock Island school evacuated.

The bomb squad quickly determined that the device was not dangerous.

On Wednesday, student Gary Moes heard about the incident and called police to tell them the device was his, and that he had made it as extra credit for Dr. Gragg's chemistry class.

Investigators and the State Attorney's Office will determine whether there'll be any charges against the 56-year-old Moes.

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