OAK RIDGE, Tenn. โ A man created a large stir in Oak Ridge early Saturday morning after police said he blew past guards at a Y-12 National Security Complex checkpoint and crashed his vehicle into a barrier.
The Oak Ridge Police Department posted about an incident outside Y-12 on Bear Creek Road Saturday morning around 5:00 a.m. It later said officers took 27-year-old Jonpaul Payne from Lenoir City into custody Saturday morning and charged him with several offenses, including vehicle theft, drug possession, vandalism and more.
According to police, Payne drove past security guards at a checkpoint that leads into the nuclear facility and then crashed into a barrier. Police said he got out of the vehicle and then tried to run toward the woods within the nuclear facility, saying it was "not the best idea." Officers located and arrested him a few moments later.
Communications for Y-12 said the situation was "quickly resolved" and that the site was safe and secure.
"So, no Russia did not invade. Aliens did not land. And the yeti is still in hiding. As much of a bad decision this was, know that if you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder recovery is possible and recourses can be located at ASAP of Anderson or online at: http://FindTreatment.gov," ORPD said.
Payne is charged with theft over $10,000, simple possession, vandalism, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with construction signs and barricades, according to his jail booking with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office.