Authorities temporarily closed a section of Wheeler Road on Tuesday, April 29, after an antique cannonball was discovered in a garage near Garrett Road and GA 115.
Out of an abundance of caution, the primary residence on the property has been evacuated, and evacuations of nearby homes were ordered as well.
Authorities say the cannonball is about the size of a basketball and could potentially contain black explosive powder. The homeowner is believed to have acquired the cannonball within the past few days.
“It’s enough (powder) for our (K-9) to alert on it,” Habersham County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Rob Moore said around 2:30 p.m., April 29. “Therefore, we know there is a danger there, and that’s why we’re taking all these precautions.”
Moore said homeowners are able to access their homes along certain routes, though entry points from GA 115 are blocked off. That portion of the road will be closed through the remainder of the afternoon, according to authorities.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s bomb disposal unit responded Tuesday afternoon to safely remove and possibly detonate the device. Wheeler Road will remain closed until the GBI determines the area is safe to reopen.
Officials urge residents to avoid the area and follow all public safety instructions until the situation is resolved.
Habersham County officials plan to update the public before the item is detonated.
