By Joe Johnson
The detonation of a powerful explosive device early Saturday morning rocked a neighborhood in west Winder, extensively damaging a vehicle and breaking the windows of several residences in the in general area.
No injuries were reported.
According to the Winder Police Department, Barrow County 911 began receiving 911 calls at about 3:15 a.m. from people reporting they were awakened by a loud explosion.
Officers responded to Holly Drive between McNeal Road and Brookview Terrace where police said they discovered someone had set off some explosive material near a mailbox by the road in front several residences in the neighborhood that is located near Winder-Barrow High School.
“The force of the explosion caused significant damage to a vehicle close by and broke several windows of residences in the general vicinity of the explosion,” Winder police said.
According to police, an agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Bomb Disposal Unit responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
WPD officers are conducting a follow-up investigation with agents from the GBI’s Athens field office.
“At this time, there are no indications of any injuries of anyone” police said. “Initial investigation reveals this incident may possibly be related to conflicts in a domestic relationship."
The investigation is ongoing and police asked for anyone with information about the incident to contact Winder police Detective Wayne Manthe at (770) 867-2156, or if after hours, call 911 and request an officer.
You may also contact the GBI in Athens (706) 552-2309.