TIFTON, Ga. (WTXL) - According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), A joint investigation with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATF) and the Tift County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of a Tifton man for manufacture/possession of explosive devices.
On Tuesday, August 29, 2017, the GBI’s Bomb Disposal Unit was requested by the Tifton Police Department to assist with a post blast investigation. During the early morning hours of Sunday, August 27, 2017, authorities say a destructive device was placed on an empty vehicle in the employee parking lot at Tift Regional Medical Center. According to the GBI, the device was ”timed“ and detonated, causing moderate damage to the vehicle. No one was injured.
Officials say further investigation determined this incident was related to three other similar cases that occurred in the area from December 24, 2015 to now.
The multi-agency investigation resulted in the arrest of Douglas Kennedy, 72. Officials say a search of Kennedy’s home found a large amount of explosives and bomb making material.
Authorities say Kennedy has been charged with four counts of manufacture/possession of an explosive device, four counts of criminal damage to property, one count of aggravated assault, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The GBI says the investigation into these cases is ongoing and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information concerning the case is asked to call the GBI office in Sylvester at 229-777-2080 or the Tift County Sheriff’s Office at (229) 388-6020.
