Updated: Authorities Say Molino ‘Explosion’ Was Tannerite

February 27, 2023

Authorities responded to a reported explosion Sunday afternoon in Molino.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, an explosion was reported about 3:40 p.m. on Bet Raines Road between Highway 29 and Highway 95A.

ECSO spokesperson Sgt. Melony Peterson said updated information indicates the explosion was due to Tannerite — a common “exploding” target usually used for firearms practice that is sold by retail outlets.

A male was seen running into a wooded area following the explosion, but deputies were unable to locate him.

Escambia County Fire Rescue responded and determined the scene was safe. There was no fire following the incident, and no injuries reported.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story stated the explosion was due to a methamphetamine lab, which was the information provided to us by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The ECSO provided additional updated information Monday afternoon that there was no meth lab involved.

NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Barbour, click to enlarge.

Comments

17 Responses to “Updated: Authorities Say Molino ‘Explosion’ Was Tannerite”

  1. Brandi Stockstill on March 4th, 2023 3:13 pm

    He will continue doing the things he does until his family stops covering for him. He is mentally unstable and needs help. They won’t listen to reason. You think this is bad. Look up his Odessa, New York rap sheet. Js

  2. Jr on March 1st, 2023 5:57 am

    Bottom line is that this fella has issues and shouldn’t be around anything dangerous and/or firearms. I thought he was the one who just stole the vehicle with a firearm in it. As far as the explosion? My first thought was another Meth lab gone wrong.
    @Whisperjet…with that bunch that lives in location that you speak of it may very well be a lab explosion…js
    To those saying you don’t need tannerite or a long range rifle…you e never shot competitively nor do you enjoy doing things just for fun…if done properly and SAFELY it can be fun…like the one mentioning Pumpkins going BOOOM. Try deciding between digging a stump out or setting a pile of Tannerite in/around it and get off a ways and pull the trigger…lighten up yall. It’s not about what was used but more so the one who did it. I hope this fella gets some help before he does something more stupid than this…

  3. Old but not grumpy like some on February 28th, 2023 10:52 am

    We put tannerite in pumpkins and blow them to pieces on my property and it’s a BLAST! Pun intended. I may be old, but least I ain’t an old grump.

  4. Jr on February 28th, 2023 9:21 am

    @ Lee Williams, what ever happened to long range binoculars, or spotting scope? If you can’t see your target you shouldn’t be shooting at it. As for it being fun, it’s idiots like you that get people hurt or even killed.

  5. TB on February 28th, 2023 8:41 am

    Nikki… The Police can only enforce the existing laws they cannot make or change laws nor can they keep or release people from jail that is a decision made by the Courts.
    All they can do is find and pick this guy up, and bring him in if he broke an existing law or violated a condition of his probation. The Courts take over from there, it’s equally frustrating to the Police if he’s back out on the street and does it again.

  6. keith on February 28th, 2023 8:08 am

    Dosen’t it take a high powered rifle to set off tannerite ? Is it legal to shoot a high caliber rifle on a small piece of property?

  7. Lee Wiliams on February 28th, 2023 7:50 am

    @ David – re “what is the purpose of an exploding target?” – With long range rifle practice, it is useful to show you that you hit your target. And it’s fun.

  8. Yeah on February 28th, 2023 7:21 am

    He’s a convicted felon how else can you blow up tannerite without a gun? I mean he just stole a truck with a gun in it and he has mental health issues. When you run from something it’s apparent you are doing something you shouldn’t. For all we know the meth lab is in that lady’s woods where he keeps running to her property to hide. Shooting guns toward a house on 95a with children. So sad the world that we all have to share.

  9. Whisperjet on February 28th, 2023 7:21 am

    ..someone on Becks Lake rd. must also have some..several small explosions in last few weeks just east of the gas and power transmission lines…

  10. Steve on February 28th, 2023 2:21 am

    Nikki.. I feel for ya. Noise and problem neighbors are not fun. But when something is legal to do the police are not able to arrest them.

    And that tannerite is very powerful.

    Also if you want to contact the county commission about outlawing it then that would be better so the police can do something

  11. Nikki on February 27th, 2023 10:40 pm

    It’s apparent that he watched what he done he watched the police and fire trucks and hazmat team show up. It’s apparent he wants attention. That’s a problem he’s going to keep doing it.

  12. Nikki on February 27th, 2023 10:38 pm

    @june you don’t have to live directly across the street to hear the sound of what sounds like a gas station blowing up. Imagine living 300 feet from this with babies.

  13. Nikki on February 27th, 2023 10:31 pm

    What’s ridiculous is my 5 and 10 year old are neighbors of this man and he just got out of jail for stealing a vehicle but he’s allowed to put not only my children’s lives in danger but also the surrounding children as well but it’s perfectly legal nice job esco. Let’s wait until something really serious does happen then we Will do something about it. Waiting for the smart remarks and comebacks.

  14. David on February 27th, 2023 9:38 pm

    Just a question, what is the purpose of an exploding target?

  15. Just Saying on February 27th, 2023 7:14 pm

    Why is it even allowed to be purchased you cant even have a so called pistol brace on an AR-15 but you can purchase Tannerite which is an explosive just watch the You Tube videos of this stuff.

  16. June on February 27th, 2023 5:50 pm

    Kevin that’s pretty funny cause no one lives across the street from that address

  17. Kevin on February 27th, 2023 2:58 pm

    This is happening alot and at times at two and three in the morning. I live right across the street. Its ridiculous.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News