The Elizabethton Police Department responded to the area of Watauga Avenue and Railroad Street in regards to a suspicious object located near the crossing of the Tweetsie Trail in town Thursday.
According to a press release issued by EPD Capt. Joy Shoun, police and fire personnel arrived at the scene and were able to discover the object.
After the discovery was made, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team with the Johnson City Police Department was called in to tend to the device.
While on scene, at approximately 1:30 p.m., an explosion was heard near the area, with a second following it up by 20 minutes.
An inspection of the device indicated the object was a “portion of metal pipe with components and characteristics consistent with an improvised explosive device,” according to Capt. Shoun.
Evidence collected following the detonations at the scene indicated that the object was made as an explosive ordnance. The Tweetsie Trail was reopened around 2 p.m. as rainy weather entered the area.
The EPD added that the investigation is ongoing at this time. Anyone with additional information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Elizabethton Police Department Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 423-542-7574.