BREAKING NEWS – (1:20 p.m. Central, Thursday, September 14, 2023) – Emergency crews with Crossville Fire Department, Crossville/Cumberland County EMA, Crossville Police Department, Cumberland County EMS, Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Knox County Bomb Squad, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and TDOT are on-scene in the 3400 block of North Main Street in Crossville conducting an investigation on a suspicious item discovered. In an abundance of caution, North Main Street in the area will likely be closed while the scene is processed. This is in an area between Old Jamestown Highway and I-40 in Crossville.

Earlier this morning, a local business owner in Crossville discovered a potential explosive device on their premises, prompting an immediate response from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistance from various law enforcement and emergency response agencies, including the Crossville Police Department, Crossville Fire, Cumberland County Fire, Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency, and the Knoxville Bomb Squad was requested.

The investigation into the origin and nature of the device is currently ongoing. The Knoxville Bomb Squad will carefully assess and neutralize the device to ensure the safety of all involved. Additionally, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with other relevant agencies, will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Sheriff Casey Cox, along with the entire Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, expresses sincere gratitude to the Crossville Police Department, Crossville Fire, Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency, and the Knoxville Bomb Squad for their swift response and assistance in handling this potentially dangerous situation. The cooperation and professionalism exhibited by these agencies are testaments to their dedication in keeping our community safe.

If you are traveling on I-40 and attempting to get off at Exit 317 (Hwy 127/Main Street) to head south into Crossville, you will be detoured back on I-40 to the Genesis Road exit.

If you are traveling on North Main Street towards I-40, you will be detoured onto Old Jamestown Highway heading south then you can take Interstate Drive east towards Genesis Road and I-40.

UPDATE – 2:35 p.m. – The military-style mortar has been deemed safe now and the Knoxville Bomb Squad has possession of it. The closed section of North Main Street will be opening back up very soon.

UPDATE – 3 p.m. – All lanes of North Main Street at the scene are now open.