Authorities continue to investigate the Dec. 21 discovery of an explosive device at a downtown Dawsonville gas station.

According to Dawson County Sheriff's Capt. Tony Wooten, a 38-year-old Hall County man gave "no real reason" for having the device, which was described as an industrial grade explosive typically used on construction sites.

"It's believed he may have gotten the device from his work," Wooten said.

Deputies found the device in the vehicle after clerks at the Kangaroo convenience store on Hwy. 9 reported that a man appeared to have passed out at the wheel after pumping gas.

Lanier Swafford, Dawson County's chief of emergency services, said paramedics were called to evaluate the man's condition.

"The initial report was a possible drug overdose," he said.

The man, whose name has not been released, was taken by ambulance to Northside Hospital-Forsyth for treatment.

His condition could not be determined Tuesday.

Several city blocks were shut down while the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's bomb squad collected the device, which did not detonate.

Investigators interviewed the man at the hospital and also searched his home. No other explosives were found, Wooten said.

Charges have not been filed in the case.

According to Wooten, the holidays could delay the investigation.