Unfortunately, instances where people drop or throw objects from overpasses in an attempt to hit passing vehicles isn’t that uncommon. But given the potential for disaster, they should be.

Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department are currently trying to find those responsible for the latest incident, which reportedly occurred at about 8 p.m. Friday. Passengers and the driver of the vehicle were unhurt. Authorities think a glass bottle was the object that hit the vehicle. LCSD Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun said the incident occurred at the Suqualena-Graham Road overpass on Interstate 20.

“The vehicle was traveling eastbound toward Meridian when it was struck,” said Calhoun Tuesday afternoon. “We have reports there were individuals on the overpass and that they dropped something down into traffic.”

The front windshield of the car was shattered but otherwise remained in one piece. The driver was able to safely move off onto the shoulder of the road. By then, the culprits had reportedly fled on 4-wheelers.

“I can’t count the number of things that could’ve gone wrong as a result of someone’s stupidity,” Calhoun said. “This could have caused a car accident. Or the object dropped could have gone through the windshield badly injuring or even killing an occupant or worse, the driver. Nothing good comes from these types of incidents.”

Calhoun said this location has a reputation for such acts. LCSD deputies try to keep an eye on activity along this overpass but the department can’t keep a deputy at the location every minute of the day and night.

This time the only casualty was a windshield. Next time it could be one or more persons.

“Would you want someone’s death from a very stupid act on your conscience?” asked Calhoun.