Authorities Continue Investigation of Explosion at Benton Home

Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington and the Bossier Sheriff’s Office and multiple agencies continue their investigation into an apparent explosion early Saturday, December 19, at a residence on a horse farm on Old Plain Dealing Road about four miles from Highway 3. Two homeowners were at home when the explosion occurred, but they were unharmed.

Around 4 a.m. Saturday, Bossier Sheriff’s Office deputies and other first responders were dispatched to the 1200 block of Old Plain Dealing Road at the Holly Hill Farm Equestrian Center.  The house is located on a large acreage horse farm with multiple stables and living areas, and the explosion and damage appears to be isolated to one room inside the residence.

Various agencies are working together in the investigation, including crime scene investigators and detectives with the Bossier Sheriff’s Office;  Bossier City Fire Department and Bossier City Bomb Squad; Benton Fire District #4; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office; and Federal Bureau of Investigation bomb techs.

Investigators have been working safely and tirelessly to determine the cause or source of the explosion, but have ruled out any type of gas leak or meth lab explosion as they continue to gather evidence to determine what type of explosive device, if any, caused the damage.  The horse farm also has several residents living on site, and investigators are interviewing them and others who may have had access to the farm and residence.  Investigators also believe this incident was specific to this residence.

We will have more information as it develops.