The incident at Utah State University’s Mountain View Tower dormitory unfolded over several days, culminating in a mass evacuation and the arrest of a student, Joshua Peter Jager. Initially, a fire alarm in Jager’s room led to the discovery of a cache of chemicals, raising concerns about potential drug or explosive manufacturing. This prompted further investigation by both university police and the FBI. A subsequent incident, involving the release of hydrochloric acid gas, resulted in Jager’s arrest and charges related to reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.
The first encounter with authorities occurred when USU police responded to a fire alarm in Jager’s dorm room. His explanation of boiling water and vinegar for cooking seemed incongruous with the presence of chemicals like silver nitrate and potassium carbonate, alongside various tools and batteries. Suspecting illicit activities, police summoned bomb technicians, who confiscated the chemicals and declared the room safe. Jager was instructed to remove any remaining chemicals and refrain from cooking in his dorm.
Days later, Jager was questioned by USU police and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The questioning delved into the purpose of the chemicals and explored any potential links to terrorist organizations, which Jager denied. He attributed the presence of the chemicals to a mistake and claimed they were not used for illegal purposes. Following the interview, he was instructed to cease using chemicals and to contact authorities if he discovered any more in his dorm.
Mere hours later, another fire alarm was triggered at Mountain View Tower, prompting a mass evacuation. The dormitory’s first floor was found to be permeated with hydrochloric acid gas. Jager confessed to setting off the alarm while attempting to neutralize additional chemicals he had found. This act of releasing a hazardous gas led to his arrest and subsequent charges. The evacuation involved significant resources, including EMS, fire department, HAZMAT teams, and university police.
The consequences of the gas release extended beyond the immediate evacuation. Residents were forced to walk through the gas, posing a contamination risk. Preliminary estimates placed the cost of cleanup and restoration between $10,000 and $20,000, with additional expenses anticipated for labor and overtime. The university is continuing its investigation and has indicated that further charges may be filed against Jager.
In the aftermath of the incident, the university provided temporary accommodation for displaced residents in other buildings and on a shuttle bus. Support services were also offered to students affected by the evacuation, addressing potential academic disruptions caused by the incident. The university’s statement underscored the ongoing nature of the investigation and the possibility of additional charges. The incident highlights the potential dangers of improperly handling chemicals, especially in a densely populated environment like a university dormitory. The involvement of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force suggests authorities were concerned about the potential implications of Jager’s activities beyond a simple case of chemical mishandling.
