Tennessee police find explosive devices inside suspicious vehicle

OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn. (WATE) — A Tennessee man is facing charges after a police investigation into a suspicious vehicle at a convenience store ended with a bomb squad being called due to the discovery of explosive devices early Friday morning.

Just after midnight on August 1, the Oliver Springs Police Department said officers were checking on a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a closed convenience store in the 500 block of E. Tri County Blvd. When they arrived, the officers reportedly saw that the driver of the vehicle was unconscious and partially hanging out of the driver's side door.

After a brief investigation into the driver's welfare, officers took the 35-year-old Thorn Hill man into custody, Oliver Springs police said. Then, officers searched the vehicle and found two suspected explosive devices inside, the department added.

The Knoxville Police Department's Bomb Squad was called to assess and neutralize the devices. Around 4:30 a.m., the Oliver Springs Police Department urged the public to avoid the area, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Just after 8:40 a.m., Oliver Springs Police Chief David Laxton told 6 News that the devices were confirmed to be explosive devices.

"The combined team efforts have now rendered the devices safe and there is no immediate danger," Laxton wrote, adding that the only request they have for the public is to be cautious in the area due to traffic slowing down.

In addition to the KPD Bomb Squad, Laxton said the FBI explosives team and ATF are also assisting in the investigation.

The Thorn Hill man was initially charged with public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of possession of a hoax explosive device. Oliver Springs Police said further charges are pending and the incident remains under investigation.