Earlier today, just after midnight in Oliver Springs, police investigated a suspicious vehicle in a closed convenience store parking lot, finding an unconscious 35-year-old male driver from Thorn Hill. After taking him into custody for public intoxication and drug paraphernalia possession, officers discovered two suspected explosive devices in the vehicle.

The Knoxville Police Department’s Bomb Squad and FBI Bomb Technicians neutralized the devices, which were later confirmed as hoax explosives. The suspect faces additional charges for possessing hoax explosive devices. The area is now safe, businesses have resumed normal operations, but law enforcement remains on scene for evidence collection.

The investigation continues with assistance from the ATF, and the public is asked to avoid the area and report suspicious activity.