Damaged mailbox in Westfield (photo courtesy RTV6)

Five teenagers have been charged in connection with setting a string of plastic bottle explosions in mailboxes in Westfield.

An off-duty Sheridan Police Officer contacted Westfield Police to say he had spotted them buying the ingredients at a Walmart. He pointed them out later on a store security video. That led to the arrests of Maxwell Jackson, Zachary Loftalian, Grant Plummer and John Rogers, all 18. A fifth, younger suspect is being charged as a juvenile.

The 18-year-olds are charged with five counts of using an overpressure device and five counts of criminal mischief. They are scheduled to appear in court on February 20.