WWI mortar shell sparks evacuation; disposed of during the night

UPDATE 1:42 A.M. MAY 25

The bomb disposal unit from Dobbins Air Force Base determined that the device found buried in a yard off Creekwood Road was a World War I bomb that was safe to handle. It was taken to the Barrow County Sheriff's Office's shooting range, and the Dobbins personnel detonated it.

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UPDATE 8:50 P.M. MAY 24
Four more homes near the bomb site have been evacuated after evaluation by the FBI. The UGA bomb squad has left the scene and further action has been turned over to county emergency and law enforcement officials pending the arrival of a bomb disposal until from Dobbins Air Force Base.

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Barrow County Emergency Services and the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office have evacuated one home and shut down Creekwood Road in Winder after the resident at the home uncovered an unexploded mortar shell in their yard.

“The resident was digging in the yard when they discovered the device and called 911,” commented Barrow County Emergency Services Public Information Officer Lieutenant Scott Dakin.

“This prompted us to evacuate the residence and close the road while we work to evaluate the dangers posed to the public.”

The University of Georgia Police Department Bomb Disposal Unit was contacted and determined the object was a type of military device and are currently determining the best procedure for disposal.

According to deputies on scene, the device is a round metal cylinder with four fins attached to it. The homeowner was working in the yard at his Winder residence on May 24th when he discovered the military device.

“Any time we have a suspicious device such as this, we contact the University of Georgia Police Department Bomb Disposal Unit,” stated Sheriff Jud Smith. “The safety of the residents and the protection of their property are our top priority,” added Sheriff Smith.