Stephens County Shaken by Tannerite Explosion

Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley told WNEG News that on Monday, Feb. 19, shortly after 10 p.m., his deputies were dispatched to a location on Oak Valley Road, after reports of an apparent explosion.

As deputies arrived in the area of Oak Valley, they were unable to determine the exact location of the detonation.

Shirley explained that this wasn’t the first time there were complaints called in, regarding a loud bang.

Previously, deputies were able to identify Tannerite as the substance used in the last explosion.

According to Shirley, Tannerite is an exploding target used for firearms practice.

“You can buy, I believe, up to 20 pounds of Tannerite legally,” Shirley said. “It isn’t regulated by federal authorities because it doesn’t contain gunpowder or TNT. Shooters use it for target practice. How it is detonated is through the kinetic energy of a bullet. So once a bullet strikes it, it [creates] a loud explosion.”

Shirley also added that the previously reported instance drew attention across state lines, when he received complaints from residents in South Carolina.

“We checked on one over a month ago, and he (the shooter) was in a safe place, down in a bottom area where he was actually shooting at it (Tannerite),” Shirley said. “It was a good distance away from any houses. That instance was heard throughout many parts of Stephens County, and there were complaints called in to me from residents in South Carolina.”

As of now, Shirley and his deputies have determined that the explosion heard on Monday was Tannerite being detonated.