Inert devices found
Bomb squad determines no public threat at Bull Run Park
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Bull Run Park in the Claxton Community is now open again after the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and Knox County Bomb Squad investigated devices resembling military ordnance and concluding they posed no danger to the public. - Ben Pounds
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The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and Knox County Bomb Squad investigated these devices at Bull Run Park on March 19 but determined them to be inert and posing no threat to the public. - Ben Pounds
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office and Knox County Bomb Squad recently investigated devices resembling military ordnance at Bull Run Park.
The ACSO reported, however, that the devices were inert and posed no threat to the public.
Bull Run Park is at 780 New Henderson Road in the Claxton community and is part of the county’s park system.
“At no time was there any confirmed danger to nearby residents or visitors,” the office stated.
The ACSO said a fisherman found one of the devices along the park’s shoreline at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, prompting authorities to respond to the site, where additional devices were located. Officials secured the area during the investigation, but the park was reopened to the public later that day.
The park includes picnic areas, a boat launch, a swimming area and a pier.
It is not adjacent to Bull Run Fossil Plant, but rather about a 3.5-mile drive away.
“We have a very good working relationship with all surrounding law enforcement agencies,” ACSO Public Information Officer Shain Vowell told The Courier News. “The Knox County Sheriff’s Office has always been helpful and cooperative.”
Vowell declined to comment on the type of devices or how they ended up in the area, citing the ongoing investigation.
Anderson County Commissioner Chad McNabb, who represents the area, said he was grateful for the quick and thorough response from law enforcement and the absence of danger to the public.
“The citizens I’ve spoken with were understandably concerned at first, but ultimately relieved to learn there was no threat and appreciative of how swiftly the situation was handled,” he said.
“I also think this serves as an important reminder for everyone to stay vigilant when out in public,” McNabb said. “If you come across something unusual or potentially dangerous, it’s critical to contact law enforcement right away — which is exactly what was done in this case.”
The ACSO similarly advised the public to contact authorities regarding suspicious items and warned against handling them.
The Courier News contacted the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Anderson County Parks and Recreation Department, but neither responded by press time.
