Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE - Investigators are trying to determine how several explosives wound up in a Gwinnett County teen's bedroom Sunday.

Gwinnett County Police Department spokesman Cpl. Darren Moloney said a family member, possibly the father or an uncle, discovered several bombs in the 16-year-old boy's room after the boy attempted to commit suicide last weekend. Moloney said the teen, whose name is not being released due to his age, was taken to a mental health facility where he is being treated.

After the attempted suicide, Moloney said, family began searching the teen's room and found several explosives described as pipe bombs.

Moloney said the family member put the explosives in a vehicle and took them about 8:30 a.m. Sunday to the Sheriff's Department on Ga. Highway 316.

When the family arrived with the explosives, authorities locked down the department. Moloney said authorities closed areas of Highway 316 and blocked entrances and exits into the department parking lot while officers investigated the items.

Moloney said at least three explosives were in the vehicle and detonated outside the department by the Police Department's Explosive Ordinance and Disposal Unit.

Gwinnett County Fire Department spokesman Lt. Thomas Rutledge said Fire Department investigators searched the teen's home Sunday and no other bombs were found.

"The Gwinnett County Fire Department is the lead investigating agency on the case but we are being assisted by Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms," Rutledge said.

At this point, Rutledge said no charges have been filed against the teen but investigators say charges are forthcoming.

Moloney said the family member who took the explosives to the department does not face any charges. He said it appeared the person was trying to notify authorities and appeared to have no criminal intentions.

Moloney suggests anyone who finds ammunition, bombs or other dangerous devices should not touch or move the items and should call 911. He said once calling the emergency help number they can receive instructions and explosive specialists can be dispatched to the location.