Yesterday, during a routine traffic stop off Alcoa Highway, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) arrested two individuals after a "suspicious device," initially suspected to be an explosive, was found in the vehicle. The stop, which took place near the I-140 interchange before 5 p.m., also led to the discovery of three firearms inside the car, with the driver, a convicted felon, facing additional charges for these weapons, WVLT reported.
According to THP, the trooper on scene was quick to secure the perimeter upon noticing the device and promptly called for backup; the Knoxville County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, the ATF, and the Alcoa Police Department all converged on the scene, following the distressing discovery, WATE reports.
Upon inspection by bomb technicians, it was determined that the device was indeed a hoax, although it was collected for further testing to glean any potential motives or threats; as the THP spokesperson conveyed, "Troopers also found three firearms inside the vehicle and the driver, a convicted felon, was placed under arrest," and a passenger was further implicated in relation to the device, as WBIR detailed.
"We thank our law enforcement partners for their quick response and coordination to keep the public safe," THP expressed gratitude towards the collaborative effort in managing the potential threat, as operations on Alcoa Highway resumed normalcy following the incident which, although appearing to be a maliciously intentioned disruption, led only to charges against the two detained individuals for the hoax, as reported by WVLT.
