Police say officers discovered a pipe bomb and an AR-15-style rifle inside a vehicle on Old Knoxville Highway, prompting evacuations and a road closure.
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE) — What began as a welfare check Thursday afternoon led to the discovery of an active explosive device inside a vehicle, prompting evacuations, a road closure and the arrest of two people, according to the Sevierville Police Department.
Officers responded at approximately 3:20 p.m. Thursday, July 9, to a report of two people who appeared to be unconscious inside a vehicle parked at 1012 Old Knoxville Highway.
While checking on the occupants, officers discovered what appeared to be a pipe bomb and an AR-15-style rifle inside the vehicle.
Out of an abundance of caution, authorities closed Old Knoxville Highway in the area and evacuated nearby businesses while the Sevier County Interagency Hazardous Devices Unit responded.
Bomb technicians determined the device was an active explosive. The device was safely removed to a secure location and rendered inactive.
The roadway reopened at approximately 6 p.m.
The two occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody. Police said multiple charges are pending, and the suspects’ identities will be released after warrants have been obtained.
The Sevierville Police Department thanked the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the Pigeon Forge Police Department, the Sevier County Ambulance Service and the Sevierville Fire Department for assisting with the incident.
Authorities have not released additional information about the investigation.
This version follows AP style while avoiding language that could imply guilt before charges are formally filed.
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