During a recent arrest in Tennessee, law enforcement authorities reported the discovery of explosive materials. The suspect, identified as a local man, had allegedly made threats against public officials and police, as stated in their reports.
In Old Fort, Tennessee, a 54-year-old man named Kevin Wade O'Neal was apprehended following the discovery of 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in his residence. The arrest was part of an ongoing effort to apprehend Mr. O'Neal, who had previously threatened to harm public officials and law enforcement personnel.
During the arrest, officers noticed something smoldering in O'Neal's bedroom, which turned out to be an IED he had attempted to detonate. Fortunately, none of the devices exploded due to timely intervention.
Authorities, including the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Chattanooga Police Bomb Squad, ATF agents, and other agencies, responded to the situation. Investigations revealed that some devices were found inside a backpack, while others were scattered on the floor. Moreover, materials to make more bombs were discovered. A woman was also found hiding in a dryer during the search.
O'Neal is currently charged with 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder (nine for deputies and detectives present, two for others in the home), 14 counts of prohibited weapons, and one count of possession of explosive components. He is being held in Polk County Jail, with bond yet to be determined.
Elisa Myzal, public affairs director for Chattanooga police, confirmed that none of the devices detonated. However, she did not comment on the nature and timing of the suspect's threats against officials or whether he was arrested due to an imminent danger. No comment was made regarding the suspect's potential legal representation either.
The sheriff noted the potency of the devices and praised deputies for their response, acknowledging how close the situation came to disaster. Further inquiries were referred to the sheriff's office, as no representatives were available to answer questions at the time of the report.
[1] Polk County Sheriff's Office [2] Chattanooga Police Department [3] ATF - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives [4] Local news sources
Toronto authorities might want to be vigilant following the arrest in Tennessee, as a similar suspect could potentially pose a threat to public officials and law enforcement personnel in politics and general-news. Crime-and-justice reports have shown an individual, similarly charged with multiple counts of attempted murder, weapons possession, and explosive components, was apprehended due to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in his residence.
