HENRY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) agents, in partnership with the Henry County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have arrested and charged a man accused of manufacturing an explosive.
Robby Basham, 53, called 911 on Wednesday morning and stated that he was suffering from a drug overdose. According to a TBI press release, after first responders transported Basham for medical treatment, deputies found a PVC pipe with black wires taped to it on the home's porch.
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TBI agents then joined the investigation into the device. They shortly notified explosive teams from the Jackson Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol, who secured the scene and rendered the device safe.
The release went on to say that authorities determined the device contained Tannerite and multiple nails. Tannerite is a brand of exploding compound primarily used for firearms practice.
After securing a search warrant for the home, authorities did find more components to make other similar devices. Agents arrested and charged Basham with one count of prohibited weapons: explosion device. As of the release, he remained in the Henry County Sheriff's Office custody on a one million dollar bond.