Law enforcement officials in Tennessee discovered 14 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the home of a man during an arrest this week. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that the arrest occurred on Friday when deputies sought to apprehend Kevin Wade O’Neal, who was wanted on active warrants for allegedly threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement personnel.
As deputies entered O’Neal’s residence, they noticed something smoldering in the bedroom where he was located. Upon further inspection, authorities determined it was an IED. The situation prompted immediate action from bomb squad officers and agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who conducted a thorough search of the premises. This search revealed a total of 14 IEDs.
According to the sheriff’s office, O’Neal’s plan involved detonating these devices as law enforcement arrived to arrest him. The 54-year-old faces multiple charges, including 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder and 14 counts of possession of prohibited weapons. The attempted murder charges pertain to the responding officers and two individuals who were present at the scene.
O’Neal is currently being held at Polk County Jail, with a bond amount yet to be determined. It remains unclear if he has secured legal representation at this time.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding threats to public officials and the potential dangers posed by explosive materials. Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation into the case, emphasizing the importance of community safety and vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.
