ROCKLEDGE, Fla. - The Brevard County sheriff's bomb squad investigated a car explosion Wednesday after reports of a "suspicious" device found inside the vehicle.
The incident was reported at 9:42 a.m. in the neighborhood along Groves Drive near Marlin Drive in the vicinity of the Rockledge city line.
Rockledge police said a caller reported a possible explosion in the area and thought it might have come from a maroon car. Officers found the car with visible damage, but there was no fire after the explosion.
"I looked out the window and I saw the car had exploded," the car owner Edward Smith Jr. said.
Smith said he was in the shower hen he heard the explosion.
The front and back windows of his Lincoln Town Car were blown out.
Neighbors told News 6 they heard the blast.
"It sounded like a sonic boom, like a boom was coming in like sometimes when the shuttle comes back in," Mary Davis-Jackson said.
"My neighbor across the street called and told me a car bomb went off," one woman said. "I'm very concerned, very worries. It's scary to think that's happened so close to home."
Police aren't sure if it was a bomb. They called it a "suspicious" device. Homes nearby the scene were evacuated.
The bomb squad checked every inch of the car looking for any other possible explosives and clues. Police say the rain posed some problems and difficulties for them during the investigation.
Police are calling this a big mystery. They aren't sure if Smith was targeted or if the explosion was caused by a mechanical issue.
Smith tells News 6 his car is in great shape.
"Anybody who sat in it, rolled in it will tell you the car rides like a dream," Smith said. "I take very good care of it, there's nothing wrong with it."
Smith said he thinks he was targeted. He told News 6 he's had issues with some acquaintances, even getting into a fight with some of them on Tuesday. He said he thinks they're behind the explosion.
"I know they did it. I know they did it," Smith said.
Rockledge police haven't said if they have any suspects or if they're looking for anyone.
The FBI, the FDLE and ATF responded to the call. The road was cordoned off and Rockledge police set up a perimeter. Police interviewed neighbors and canvassed the area. It was not immediately known if authorities were searching for a second device.
The car was wrapped in plastic to preserve the evidence and was towed to the sheriff's compound. The road has reopened.
Anyone with information us asked to call Rockledge police at 321-690-3988, extension 3158, or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).
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