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Photos courtesy of Tammie Williams.
By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - I spoke to Major David Neal of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office today about the big boom from Saturday night to find out the latest update. He told me today that at this point, it is still under investigation. However, he informed me that the Pike County Sheriff’s Office has spoken to the two individuals who are believed to be involved in the reported Tannerite incident from this past weekend.
Major Neal confirmed that the boom was caused “by a large amount of Tannerite.” He also advised that initially, there were several rumors of damages to multiple residences but in the end, only one report was filed with the Sheriff’s Office in regard to the damage from this incident.
The individual who filed a report of damage from the incident did not want to prosecute. “It is my understanding that the persons responsible for said damage have made restitution to the resident,” said Major Neal.
He said that the individuals are extremely apologetic that they caused a disruption within the community.
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By Editor Becky Watts
ZEBULON - There have been a lot of big booms here in Pike County over the past couple of years. Saturday night was the worst case that I've heard of to date. A large detonation lit up the 911 Call Center and Facebook with discussion about what could be the cause of the explosion in south Pike County.
On Saturday, June 4, 2016 around 9:11 p.m. deputies were dispatched to the area of Wildwood Road (off of Cook Road) to speak to several individuals in reference to a complaint that they had heard what sounded like a bomb that went off in close proximity to their homes. Facebook lit up with discussion about what could have caused the explosion with suggestions that included earthquakes, a military plane flying over our area, and Tannerite.
Sheriff Jimmy Thomas said that the use of Tannerite has been an ongoing problem here in Pike County, and that any time that an explosion is set off, our 911 Center gets phone calls. This is what happened on Saturday night, and Tannerite is suspected to be the cause of the big boom.
Pike County Times was made aware of Tannerite and its use in the county more than two years ago at a previous incident with complaints that were smaller in nature than this one but with many similarities.
What is Tannerite?
Tannerite an exploding target material that is legal in the state of Georgia. It consists of two chemicals that are mixed together that will explode when shot with a high velocity bullet. According to its website www.tannerite.com/, Tannerite shows a “large water vapor cloud along with a loud report which is used as a shot indicator” when it is used and says that targets should not be mixed in more than 2 pound quantities.
However, there are many, many Youtube videos that show larger amounts being used to produce what some might call spectacular effects. One man in North Georgia packed a lawnmower full of a large quantity of Tannerite and lost his leg from shrapnel that was produced in the explosion. Tannerite is illegal in the state of Maryland. Click here to read the bill that became law.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office posted the following on Facebook on Sunday afternoon after the incident from the night before.
“We have received numerous calls and questions regarding the use of Tannerite and if it legal. It is legal, however, if the use is reckless in nature and/or causes damage to others property then the responsible party can be held liable and criminal charges filed.
We would like to remind people that the improper use of this product can result in serious injury.
In regards to the incident reported around the Woodcreek Road area yesterday, it is still under investigation and several homeowners have filed reports due to damaged property. If anyone has any information as to who was responsible please contact us at 770-567-8431.”
How Pike County Times Got Involved
I received a call from my Dad in Meansville and started tracking the information showing up on Facebook on Saturday night. People said that they felt their homes shaking and heard the large boom in Meansville. Responses to my post on Facebook brought in comments as far away as Highway 18 in Barnesville, Whitfield Subdivision in Zebulon, and Highway 109 in Molena.
On the south side of Meansville, Nita Lummus said that it sounded like it was under her house. Pictures fell off of the wall and the house felt like it moved. She said that her doors and windows shook.
Andrea Callaway said that it was extremely loud Off Old Zebulon Rd. “These booms have been happening sporadically over the last year. I wonder why.” At the suggestion that this could be Tannerite, she said, “Understanding that this stuff is legal, I believe our state representatives and senators need to look into fixing that. People could have a heart attack over this sudden boom.”
Tammie Williams was close enough to the explosion that she was able to post pictures taken by a family member on Facebook as well as turning that information over to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
Pike County Times investigated whether there could be some other sources of this explosion. According to Earthquake Track.com, there were no earthquakes in our general area on Saturday night. www.earthquake.usgs.gov gives a history of earthquakes that have affected the state of Georgia as well. There are no notable incidents in surrounding states that could have affected Pike County on Saturday night.
LaGrange news media has reported on loud booms here in Troup and surrounding counties earlier this year in their article that can be read by clicking here. However, the addition of photos to my article tonight shows that there was some of an explosion that could have caused the complaints.
A news station out of South Carolina did some experimentation with Tannerite. Read the article and note the distance that is involved. Click here to read their article. A simple search of the internet will bring up numerous discussions and even stories about deaths and jail time that have occurred from the improper use of Tannerite.
Where Does the Investigation Stand?
I followed up with Sheriff Thomas today in order to find out where the investigation was at and whether the source of the big boom has been located. At this time, the source has not been located, but deputies are continuing to follow up on multiple leads from the public.
He advised that Saturday night was the worst incident so far with multiple complaints and rumors of destruction of property. He advised that if property is destroyed or persons are injured with the use of Tannerite, those using it can be charged with a crime.
“While Tannerite is legal to use, if there is destruction of property or bodily harm, there are some laws on the books to allow law enforcement to enforce those laws to protect citizens, property and to keep people safe,” he said.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to follow up on this situation. If there is damage to property, Pike County Times confirmed that claims under $15,000 can be taken to Magistrate Court here in Pike County.
If anyone has any information as to who was responsible for Saturday night’s incident, please contact the Pike County Sheriff’s Office at 770-567-8431.
If you want to find out about how you can get Breaking News Alerts, click here. Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!