5-24-17 Suspicious Person/Package

At 10:45 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2017, Chattanooga Police responded to a suspicious person call at 5118 Highway 153. The following are the preliminary facts of that investigation:

• Upon arrival, CPD officers located a man lying on the sidewalk in close proximity to a motorcycle and a backpack
• Subject was found with a large knife and drug paraphernalia on his person
• Subject told police the motorcycle and backpack belonged to him
• While searching the bag, police discovered an object that appeared consistent with an explosive device
• Subject confirmed to officers the object was a homemade explosive device
• Police left items in place and backed away from the area with the subject
• A business was evacuated and closed, portions of Hwy 153 and Hamill Road were closed for public safety
• Chattanooga Fire Dept and Hamilton County EMS were placed on standby
• Chattanooga Bomb Squad and ATF responded and disrupted the explosive device

Suspect:

Josh Redden (male, 34)

Charges: Public Intoxication, Drug Paraphernalia​, Possession of Controlled Substance​, Prohibited Weapon

Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.

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NOTE: The preceding information is preliminary and is subject to change as the investigation continues.