Police: Explosion at Florida college inspired by 'MythBusters'

19-year-old Florida Institute of Technology student arrested

Christian Duke.

MELBOURNE, Fla. – A Florida Institute of Technology student accused of detonating a homemade bomb at the school said he learned how to make the device by watching the TV show "MythBusters."

No one was injured in incident, which occurred around 12:20 a.m. Sunday at 150 W. University Blvd. in Melbourne.  Police said, however, that the device had "great potential to damage property or cause bodily injury."

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Christian Duke, 19, of Maryland, was arrested on felony counts of possessing a destructive device on school property and making, possessing, placing and discharging a destructive device.

Melbourne police said Duke made the destructive device from common household chemicals and items. 

"Duke placed this device in a stairwell within the school dorm and detonated the device, causing a loud blast that disrupted other students who were in the building at the time," police said.

Melbourne police said an investigation is ongoing.

On Monday, a judge raised Duke's bond to $10,000 and ordered him not to return to school, an order Duke's attorney said he'll fight.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.


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