Tennessee Man Charged in Attempt to Detonate Bombs During Arrest
The authorities said the man, Kevin Wade O'Neal, 54, had warrants for threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement personnel.
Law enforcement officials were serving the warrants at Mr. O'Neal's home in Old Fort, Tenn., which is about 40 miles east of Chattanooga, Tenn.
While inside the home, the authorities said they noticed smoke coming from the bedroom where they found Mr. O'Neal. They then discovered what they believed to be 'improvised explosive devices,' the authorities said.
'During the arrest, investigators believe he attempted to detonate explosive devices as officers entered the residence,' the Polk County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook.
Law enforcement officials were able to safely evacuate the home, the authorities said.
The Chattanooga Police Department's bomb squad and federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called in.
Officials found 14 improvised explosive devices inside Mr. O'Neal's home, the authorities said.
It was not immediately clear who Mr. O'Neal was targeting or why. The Polk County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mr. O'Neal was charged with nine counts of attempted first-degree murder, 14 counts of possession of prohibited weapons and related charges.
It was unclear on Saturday whether Mr. O'Neal had a lawyer. He was being held at the county jail in Benton, Tenn., the authorities said. His bond had yet to be set.
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