Loud Blasts Rock Floyd County as Authorities Destroy Unstable Explosives
FLOYD COUNTY, GA – July 17, 2025 – Residents across Floyd County were startled Wednesday by a series of powerful explosions, as law enforcement meticulously detonated unstable homemade explosive devices discovered at a Rome man’s residence. The blasts, audible across large swaths of the county, are expected to continue for at least another hour, with 3-4 more detonations anticipated.
The ongoing operation follows the arrest of Steven Milton Gray, 64, of Rome, earlier this week. Investigators reportedly found 10 explosive devices at his home located at 3436 Turkey Mountain Road. Gray now faces ten counts of possession of an explosive device and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Police, who spent hours on Wednesday working to safely detonate the explosives, have remained tight-lipped on specific details surrounding the discovery, only confirming the incident was unfolding on the “southern side of Floyd County.”
Floyd County E-911 issued a statement explaining the cause of the alarming noises, confirming that “Homemade explosives were found and were determined to be unstable.” The agency’s call center was inundated with reports of “some type of loud boom or explosion” from numerous areas, including Lindale Mill, Jamestown, Twickenham, Hampton East, Eden Valley, Maple, Darlington, Saddle Mountain, and even near the Zaxby’s on Turner McCall.
Many residents reported feeling their homes and windows shake from the concussive force of the blasts. While responding units had initially not determined the exact cause of the noises, the E-911’s Facebook post, shared around 7 p.m. Wednesday, quickly garnered over 100 comments from concerned citizens who either experienced the booms firsthand or offered speculative explanations.
The precise nature and origin of the “several explosive devices” under investigation in Floyd County remain undisclosed by authorities. The community awaits further details as law enforcement continues its critical work to ensure public safety by neutralizing the dangerous materials.
