A bomb threat phoned into the Murfreesboro Police Department headquarters on North Highland Avenue on Tuesday turned the city’s new three-story police hub into an active investigation site, city officials said. K-9 teams moved through the building and surrounding area while officers temporarily cleared sections of the facility during the search. Authorities later located a suspicious item and rendered it safe. No injuries were reported. The department has not named a suspect or released further details as the investigation continues.
How the sweep unfolded
According to WKRN News 2, the threat was called in directly to the Highland Avenue headquarters. The report was serious enough that K-9 units from Middle Tennessee State University Police and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office were brought in to assist Murfreesboro officers in the search.
WKRN News 2 also reported that investigators traced the call to a nail salon in Columbus, Ohio, and later declared the Murfreesboro headquarters safe. Detectives have not released additional information as they work through leads in the case.
City release: who responded
A news release from the City of Murfreesboro confirmed that outside K-9 teams assisted during the sweep and noted that the investigation remains active. City officials emphasized that the department treated the threat as credible while officers worked to nail down the origin of the call and identify any potential suspects.
Why the headquarters required a methodical search
The building at 1004 N. Highland Avenue is a roughly 136,000-square-foot complex that houses multiple police functions, which means officers could not simply give it a quick once-over. A detailed, canine-assisted sweep was needed, NewsChannel 5 reported. Officials have pointed out that the size of the facility and its public access points can make searches slower and more methodical in the interest of safety.
Legal consequences for hoax threats
Under Tennessee law, making a false report of an explosive device can be prosecuted and, depending on the circumstances, may be charged as a felony. Prosecutors typically review evidence such as phone records and the contents of any device before deciding on charges. Tennessee courts decisions and state statutes spell out penalties for knowingly starting or spreading false reports that trigger emergency responses.
What comes next
The Murfreesboro Police Department asked the public to stay away from the headquarters area during the response and indicated it would share more information as the investigation allows, WKRN News 2 reported. Anyone with information is urged to contact Murfreesboro police as investigators continue to work the case.
