Man sentenced for causing 2019 evacuation of RCTC theater
Authorities say he was trying to disrupt of pro-life event.
Posted: Jul 25, 2021 4:15 PM
Posted By: Mike Bunge
ROCHESTER, Minn. – A man has pleaded guilty to causing the emergency evacuation of a pro-life event at Rochester Community and Technical College.
Samuel Warren Vanderwiel, 21 of Rochester, has entered a guilty plea to one count of misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Charges of harassment and fifth-degree assault were dismissed.
Police say Vanderwiel created a “self-made stink bomb” that used ammonia and another substance to create sulfate gas. Court documents state that after first trying to get others to protest the pro-life event on September 18, 2019, Vanderwiel put the bomb in Hill Theater and 50 to 70 people had to evacuate after it was found.