Clarksville, TN – On March 16th, 2012, around 9:18, Clarksville Police responded to a suspicious package call at 542 Aurelia Lynn. The resident had went to throw out the trash and noticed a piece of luggage in the trashcan.
It was a hard-shell case that had holes drilled in it, four wires coming out of the holes, and electrical tape around the wires where they came out of the case. The wires ran down into the can and the other ends of the wires were not visible. There was a small piece of metal under one of the latches that appeared to be holding it from closing completely.
The bomb squad x-rayed the top of the container observed several wires, a small fan (something like a computer fan), a light bulb, and some sort of dense object that could not be identified. Lt Cliff Smith, MCSO, called the FBI and was told there had been an explosive device in the past of similar construction.
At the bomb squad’s recommendation, the scene perimeter was increased. Officers moved out several blocks and knocked on every door to advise the residents to evacuate or seek cover. A Child is Missing was contacted and they did a reverse 911 call to the homes within a ¼ mile advising residents to evacuate due to a potential explosive device; they were able to make the call due to the potential danger to children.
The bomb squad used the robot to put the case on the ground and open it. It was lined with aluminum foil, contained a fan, heat lamp, and had sand in it. We have no idea what the purpose of the device was but it was not an explosive or hoax device. The scene was cleared March 17th, 2012, around 3:30am.
