ATF Responds to UC Davis Explosives Threat

DAVIS, Calif., March 6 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of California, Davis Police Department and the Yolo County Bomb Squad requested the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in their response to a threat of explosives in a campus dormitory Wednesday evening.

At approximately 9:00 p.m., the UC Davis Police Department received information that Mark Christopher Woods, a 19-year-old student, was making a bomb in his dormitory room located on the third floor of the D building of the Tercero dormitory complex. The UC Davis Police Department, the UC Davis Fire Department and Yolo County Bomb Squad orchestrated the safe evacuation of more than 450 students from eight dormitory buildings. Students were provided with accommodations and food during their displacement. ATF immediately responded to the UC Davis campus with Explosive Enforcement Officers, a Certified Explosives Specialist and Special Agents.

Following evacuation, investigation ensued and Woods was arrested on state felony explosives charges. A state search warrant was later authorized and at approximately 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning, the search was initiated and continues at this time. The evidence will be transported to the ATF forensic laboratory for analysis.

"We are particularly thankful that someone did the right thing and came forward to report this potentially harmful activity," said UC Davis Police Chief Annette Spicuzza. "We are pleased that the safety and well being of UC Davis residents has not been compromised."

"The safety of UC Davis campus residents is paramount," said Stephen K. Martin, Special Agent In Charge of ATF's San Francisco Field Division. "ATF will assist the UC Davis Police and Fire Departments, along with the Yolo County Bomb Squad in any way we can."

For more information on ATF and additional programs designed to reduce violent crime, go to www.atf.gov.

CONTACTS:

Nina Delgadillo, PIO, ATF

Pager: 888-416-4533

Paul Pfotenhauer, UC Davis PD

Cell: (530) 219-4544