A woman has been charged with four counts in connection with a bomb threat made to the Claiborne County Jail Thursday night.
Sheriff David Ray said a call came into the jail around 9 p.m. Thursday, and that a woman said someone would be coming in with a bomb to “blow the place up.” He said that a man, later identified as the woman’s boyfriend, also called to tell officials who was calling in the alleged threat. Ray added that other calls were made as well.
“We immediately shut activity down at the Justice Center,” said Ray. “We secured the building and exterior and stopped traffic from flowing in front of it.”
The jail is located within the Justice Center.
Lead investigator Det. Tim Shrout said in a news release that the immediate area surrounding the Justice Center was sealed off and Straight Creek Road was blocked for a period of time while a search of the area was conducted.
Investigators determined that during one of the calls the woman’s real name was used, Ray said, and they were able to locate her.
Officers Lt. Stephen Hurley, Chris Cardwell and Brian Hubbard took Hazel Irene Gray and Justin Pridemore into custody at a residence in the Goins Chapel community in rural Claiborne County, according to the release.
“They picked the lady up and brought her and her boyfriend in,” he said. “They eventually got a confession out of her.”
According to the release, officers determined during the interrogation that Gray had allegedly placed the threatening call to the Justice Center, “stating that she was strapped with an explosive device and was en route to blow up the Justice Center.”
The incident was “wrapped up” by approximately 2 a.m., Ray said, adding that no evacuation of the Justice Center was needed and no device was found after a thorough search.
“The investigators took quick action,” he said.
Gray, 20, has been charged with hoax device (threat), false report, interference with government operations and tampering with evidence. She is lodged in the Claiborne County Jail.
Gray was arraigned Friday morning before General Sessions Court Judge Robert Estep, who set a $100,000 secured bond for her appearance again in court Jan. 5, 2016.
The Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security was on the scene to assist as well as the local city police departments and Tennessee Highway Patrol. Although units from Knox County were on standby, Ray said no outside assistance was needed.
“We took it seriously,” Ray said. “Hoax or not, we can’t take that chance.”
Ray stated “that he would like to thank all those involved for their assistance and swift reaction time. Most helpful was the Claiborne County 911 Center in their prompt and professional service.”
“Because of the world we live in today, threats such as this are taken seriously,” he added. “Protecting the inmates housed here, public property and all citizens of Claiborne County is my top priority. People who choose to threaten others for whatever reason will be thoroughly investigated, arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Reach Marisa Anders at 423-254-5588 or on Twitter @newsgirl88.
