Sevierville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Two people are facing pending charges after Sevierville police discovered an active explosive device and a rifle inside a vehicle Thursday afternoon.
According to the Sevierville Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 3:20 p.m. to a parking lot in the 1000 block of Old Knoxville Highway after receiving reports that two individuals appeared to be unconscious inside a vehicle.
While conducting a welfare check, responding officers found what appeared to be a pipe bomb as well as an AR-15-style rifle inside the vehicle.
Following the discovery, authorities immediately secured the area. Old Knoxville Highway was closed near the scene, and several nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution while specialized personnel assessed the threat.
The Sevier County Interagency Hazardous Devices Unit responded and determined the suspicious item was an active explosive device.
According to police, bomb technicians safely removed the device to a secure location, where it was rendered inactive without incident.
The roadway closure and evacuations remained in effect until approximately 6 p.m., when authorities determined the area was safe for normal activity to resume.
The two individuals found inside the vehicle were taken into custody at the scene. Police said multiple charges are pending as investigators continue their work.
The identities of the suspects have not yet been released. Authorities said names will be made public once arrest warrants have been obtained and formally served.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing.
