A College of St. Scholastica student charged in connection with a fire on campus last week told police he is obsessed with explosions.
Ronald Bates Case, 18, of Superior was charged Monday with one count each of possession of an explosive or incendiary device and of discharging such a device. He made his first appearance in District Court in Duluth on Tuesday morning. Judge Shaun R. Floerke allowed Case to remain free as long as he follows several conditions, including cooperating with St. Scholastica, keeping in touch with his attorney and making all court appearances.
According to documents filed in St. Louis County District Court, Case told a Duluth police investigator that he "is obsessed with fire and explosive events and enjoys making things that 'go boom,' classifying himself as a 'pyro,' " the complaint said.
Case lived in campus housing but has been removed. He is being allowed to finish the semester, St. Scholastica spokesman Bob Ashenmacher said.
