SUBJECT:  KPD Responds to Suspicious Activity (UPDATE 4)

DATE:  May 7, 2026

GENERAL NARRATIVE

UPDATE #4:

On the morning of Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, the Kingsport Police Department received anonymous tips about an abandoned residence on Cooper Street that allegedly had explosive chemicals inside. Our patrol officers responded to the address in question and observed several indications that the anonymous tips were accurate and that there could be Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at the abandoned house. Resident safety was our top priority throughout the response. The scene was immediately secured, and the evacuation of local residents who could be affected by potential explosion(s) began. Officers and support staff assisted residents during the evacuation, including providing transportation and access to support services and temporary shelter. Our Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Drone team, and Criminal Investigative Division began working in unison to determine the exact nature of the threat while at the same time going door-to-door to inform and assist with the temporary relocation of residents to Higher Ground Baptist Church on Lynn Garden Drive. Kingsport Central Dispatch issued alert notifications to approximately 70 phone numbers via Hyper-Reach, a service similar to what is commonly called “reverse 9-1-1.”

During all the above, a joint command post was set up at the Lynn Garden Community Center to serve as a temporary base of operations for first responders and support staff. Once residents were evacuated from the affected area around Cooper Street, our EOD team began to render any potential explosive devices safe by destroying them in place. Two confirmed explosive devices were destroyed. The nature of the complex and dangerous work EOD teams undertake requires them to be methodical. The teams at work on Cooper Street worked diligently and efficiently to ensure the best possible outcome for protecting lives and property endangered by these devices and substances. Early this morning, at approximately 12:30a.m., EOD personnel determined that residents could safely return home. The scene remained secured throughout the early morning hours, and the process of collecting evidence, cleaning up, and other post-blast investigative procedures continues at this time.

The Kingsport Police Department is deeply appreciative of the assistance and support from the FBI, TBI, ATF, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Bristol Tennessee Police Department (BTPD), Johnson City Police Department (JCPD), Kingsport Fire Department (KFD), Sullivan County Emergency Medical Services (SCEMS), Kingsport Central Dispatch, Kingsport Parks & Recreation, and the American Red Cross. A special thank you to the congregation of Higher Ground Baptist Church and their pastor, Jason Dowdell, who graciously opened their doors to the displaced residents of the affected area. We are also grateful for the residents’ cooperation, who were patient and supportive of our first responders. Throughout this challenging event, the Kingsport community demonstrated remarkable resilience and unity. Neighbors looked out for one another, supported evacuees, and quickly adapted to the unfolding situation. The sense of strength and togetherness shown by our residents has been a source of pride for our department and for the entire city.

At this time, a suspect has been identified and is in custody, and there is no immediate threat to public safety related to the incident on Cooper Street. The identity of the suspect may be released at a later date. The Kingsport Police Department will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses. Future information will be shared with residents through official press releases, the department’s website, and social media channels. We encourage residents to monitor these sources for updates.

AS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED:

UPDATE #3:

The Kingsport Police Department has completed the initial investigation of the incident on Cooper Street. The affected area is considered safe at this time, and citizens may now return home. A police presence will remain in the area as this remains an active and ongoing investigation. No further details will be released at this time.

UPDATE #2:

As the investigation into the device/substance on Cooper Street continues, the Kingsport Police Department asks for citizens’ patience. Situations involving suspicious devices/substances are complex and take time. As of this update, we do not have a timeframe in which the all-clear will be given. Those who have been displaced from their homes on Cooper Street are being provided with resources until we can ensure they can return safely. We will continue to work with local agencies and our state and federal partners to resolve this incident as efficiently as possible. Further updates will be provided as the situation continues to develop.

UPDATE #1:

The Kingsport Police Department is actively investigating a suspicious device/substance at a residence on Cooper Street. All residents have been evacuated to a safe location. Citizens are asked to continue avoiding the area of Cooper Street until the all-clear is given. We are coordinating with additional local, state, and federal agencies and will provide further updates as the situation develops.

INITIAL RELEASE:

The Kingsport Police Department is currently on scene at Cooper Street addressing a public safety concern. Specialized teams have been mobilized, and a joint command post has been established. Residents in the affected area are being evacuated and temporarily relocated to a safe location while the matter is being investigated. This is an active and ongoing investigation; no further information will be released at this time.

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov