Red and blue flashing lights, blaring sirens, and bomb squads are not commonly found in Sterling neighborhoods. Yet on Dec. 23, just days before Christmas, the people of Quarterpath Trace, a nearby neighborhood of Potomac Falls, watched a scene unravel similar to ones seen on the nightly news. Living in one of the most privileged and safe areas in the United States, a “bomb threat” is not a typical fear in Loudoun County. However, this Monday night was the exception.

 Many residents of the neighborhood were forced to find a new route home, and confusion and worry settled in their minds as they imagined the gravity of the situation.

“The police blocked off the roads and we [the Curl family] had to park the car and walk around everything to get to my house,” said freshman Kelsey Curl.

 According to Quarterpath residents, the bombs were inside three small Gatorade bottles and were scattered around locals’ front lawns and in the sewer. They were discovered by a resident who saw smoke rising from a sewer next to his home; he then alerted the police who came to asses the situation.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department, recognizing the bomb threat, called in help from our neighboring Fairfax County bomb squad to detonate the bombs. Junior Scott Wright saw all the teams coming in from his home across the street.

“I saw police cars and firetrucks outside my house, and a police officer told me what was going on and to stay inside. It was pretty scary,” he said.

 This sudden and chaotic event sparked ideas about safety and security in our communities. Yet, there are not many leads as to who manufactured the Gatorade bombs and though the threat was small, some feel that it was significant enough to deserve its share of worry.

“It’s scary because you learn about things like Columbine, and they [Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold] started off doing pipe bombs, so you have to wonder what’s next,” said senior Michael Havert.

 The infamous incident of Columbine was where a school shooting occurred in the late 90s, killing 13 students and teachers. The assailants started their crusade with pipe bombs similar to those found in Quarterpath, except at Columbine, the bombs were much more sophisticated and powerful.

 Unfortunately, at the moment, the authorities are still unsure who manufactured the Gatorade bombs. However, the homemade devices caused no damage and no injuries were reported. Loudoun County families can return to normalcy. “My life returned back to normal…it’s Loudoun County. Nothing exciting happens in Loudoun County,” said Wright.