KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Police Department is taking a step back in leading the investigation into the explosives that were found at CMC Recycling.
They said the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will lead the follow-up.
ATF is a federal law enforcement agency that is responsible for investigating the illegal use and storage of explosives and firearms.
On Oct. 10, an evacuation was put in place for the Western Avenue area after a box with possible explosives was smoking at CMC. KPD said the recycling center purchased the sealed box to be used for scrap. They also said the box was "set on fire" after CMC went to cut it open with a torch, not knowing what was inside.
The KPD Violent Crimes Unit and Bomb Squad will support ATF in the investigation, working to determine the origins of the explosives and if there were any violations of the law or federal regulations.