Participants in Friday night Fisherman’s Picnic festivities in downtown Grand Marais were startled by the sound of a loud explosion at 9:01 p.m. After the mysterious detonation, a large cloud of white smoke appeared over The Point. Cook County Sheriff Deputies found shrapnel from a 4-inch by 24-inch pipe on the east bay side of Artist’s Point, just east of the US Coast Guard and US Customs and Border Patrol building.
Since the Point is National Forest Service property, Conservation Officer Barry Huber is investigating the matter. Huber said the explosion occurred on the natural rocks just off the east bay beach. He said fortunately there was no “observable, distinguishable damage” from the explosion.
Huber said he suspects that the explosion was set off by some young people, just wondering if they could make it work. However, if the culprits are caught they will be charged with “discharge of a device capable of taking life or causing injury.” Huber said since no one was injured and there was no damage, the charges would most likely be at the misdemeanor level.
Seen in the area at the time of the explosion were two juvenile males, about 14 – 15 years of age, one wearing a red T-shirt with below-knee length shorts and the other a brown T-shirt and long pants, color unknown. It is unknown if they were involved.
Anyone with information about the explosion is asked to contact Conservation Officer Huber at (218) 387-3232.
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