POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Tennessee Officers Say Man Tried to Detonate IED During Arrest

Inside the bedroom officers found what they believed to be an IED. The officers evacuated the house and called for the Chattanooga Police Bomb Squad and ATF agents.

by Staff
August 4, 2025
Assorted metal objects, electrical components, and colored tubes on industrial surface

Officers and deputies found these suspected IEDs inside the home of a man wanted for threatening police and public officials.

Credit:

Polk County SO/Facebook

Detectives and deputies of the Polk County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office served a warrant on a man’s home August 1 (2025) and found improvised explosive devices (IED). The sheriff’s office says the man tried to detonate one of the bombs during his arrest.

Kevin Wade O’Neal, 54, was taken into custody on active warrants issued on charges of threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement officers.

Ad Loading...

The sheriff’s office said in a press release that while taking O’Neal into custody inside his residence when they “realized something was smoldering inside the bedroom.”

Inside the bedroom officers found what they believed to be an IED. The officers evacuated the house and called for the Chattanooga Police Bomb Squad and ATF agents.

A search warrant was served, and the agents and officers found 14 IEDs inside the residence.

“Through their investigation, Detectives of PCSO and Agents of the ATF found that Kevin O’Neal (suspect) attempted to detonate the devices upon officers’ arrival and while they were attempting to apprehend him,” the sheriff’s office said.

Mugshot of middle-aged person against sheriff's height measurement background

Kevin Wade O'Neal is charged with nine counts of Attempted First Degree Murder for the Attempted Murders of the nine Detectives and Deputies of the Polk County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office. Officers say he attempted to detonate an IED during an arrest.

Credit:

Polk County SO/Facebook

O’Neal is charged with nine counts of Attempted First Degree Murder for the Attempted Murders of the nine Detectives and Deputies of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, who were present during the arrest. He is also charged with two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder for the Attempted Murders of two other persons present at the residence. He also faces 14 counts of Prohibited Weapons and one count of Possession of Explosive Components.

Ad Loading...

More Special Units

patrolfinder - reducing crime thumbnail
SponsoredOctober 27, 2025

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Read More →
Safariland header photo
Sponsoredby David ReederOctober 22, 2025

Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?

The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.

Read More →
Analysts reviewing geospatial data on multiple computer screens in a monitoring center
PatrolOctober 14, 2025

Ohio’s Statewide Drone First Responder Program to Take Flight

Over the next two years, the Ohio DFR Pilot Program will equip municipalities with advanced drone systems, deliver comprehensive training for first responders, and enable FAA-approved Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Memorial tribute for Sergeant Caleb Eisworth, Baton Rouge Police Department
Special UnitsAugust 11, 2025

Louisiana Motor Sergeant Dies from Injuries Suffered in June “Intentional” Crash

A motor officer, Sgt. Caleb Eisworth was on his way to participate in a funeral escort when he was struck by another vehicle.

Read More →
Smiling police officer in black uniform standing in front of American flag
Special UnitsJuly 31, 2025

Florida School Officer Dies After On-Duty Medical Emergency

Sergeant Greg Graff was “preparing school leaders for the upcoming year during a safety training program at Clearwater High School,” the school district said.

Read More →
Bloodhound police dog in tactical gear standing in front of American flag
Special UnitsJuly 16, 2025

Georgia Sheriff’s Deputy Fired After K-9 Dies in Hot Patrol Vehicle

The vehicle’s air conditioning failed because of a malfunctioning compressor and its heat alarm did not function, according to the sheriff’s office.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
K-9 police officer with German Shepherd beside sheriff's white patrol vehicle
Special UnitsJuly 11, 2025

South Carolina Sheriff’s K-9 Dies After Training Session

Deputy Saunders rushed Sam to the vet as soon as soon he noticed the dog was in distress after the training, the sheriff’s department said.

Read More →
Belgian Malinois dog sitting outdoors with mouth open and alert expression
Special UnitsJuly 11, 2025

Maryland Agency Receives Donation of K-9 Body Armor

All the vests were sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, Illinois, and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always.”

Read More →
PatrolJuly 2, 2025

Charges Filed Against Suspects Accused of Attacking Police, Police Animals During Los Angeles Immigration Riots

Suspects were charged with assaulting an officer with a flagpole, obstructing officers, and resisting arrest. Two other suspects have been charged with assaulting Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department horses.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Vibrant purple Lamborghini sports car with aerodynamic design parked on asphalt
PatrolJuly 1, 2025

North Carolina Officers Seize High-End Vehicles in Street Racing Operation

Three of the vehicles are “connected to national groups known for illegal street racing activity,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said.

Read More →