On Monday, city officers were dispatched to a residence on Harper Lane in Crossville for reports of narcotics being cooked. Upon arrival, officers discovered a propane tank in the back of the apartment with an unknown liquid and other substances in it. While inside, officers observed numerous containers with unknown liquids and plastic tubing coming from multiple containers.

One of the residents, Charles Eric Conatser, age 34 was brought to the scene. He stated one of the substances was white phosphorous that he had submerged in a liquid.  Crossville Fire Department was called to the scene to help investigate where they found unknown mixed chemicals in over 20 different containers. Neighbors were told to evacuate while authorities investigated the scene.

Knox County Bomb Squad, ATF, FBI, TBI, and Knoxville Fire Department all assisted with the investigation as well. Authorities found over thirty substances and sent them to the TBI lab to be identified.

Conatser was arrested for Reckless Endangerment by mixing chemicals that produce harmful gasses and byproducts that are harmful to neighbors and leaving white phosphorous unattended in a common area easily accessed by innocent citizens.

A hazardous materials company was called to help clean up flammable and eruptive substances.

This is still under investigation and Conatser could be facing more charges.

The next night, Crossville police were dispatched again to the same apartment for arguing. Upon arrival, officers observed Conatser talking to himself in front of the stove with a glass beaker on a plugged-in burner.

Conatser was arrested again for Reckless Endangerment. Officers offered medical assistance to him, which was refused.