Explosives Found in Abandoned Residence

Murphy, NC— Cherokee County Sheriff Derrick Palmer announced that during the afternoon hours of April 21, 2015 the Sheriff’s Office responded to an abandoned residence that was being demolished to investigate a report of the discovery of a couple of sticks of what was believed to be dynamite. While demolishing an abandoned residence in the Brasstown Community of Cherokee County the demolition crew discovered what they believed to be abandoned unexploded sticks of dynamite in the residence they were demolishing. Upon the discovery the crew backed out and call for assistance from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon the arrival of the deputies it was determined that the items were potentially dangerous and the assistance of the Bomb Squad was requested. The residence was secured until members of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Bomb squad arrived and confirmed the items were unexploded dynamite which they took custody of and moved it to a vacant field behind the abandoned structure. The dynamite was exploded without incident.

Sheriff Palmer stated “We are glad for the end result in this situation. At no time was the public placed in any danger. In fact with the discovery and demolition of the unexploded dynamite our community is a little safer because an alert individual made a phone call and now what was dangerous is gone. We always appreciate the assistance we have just like today we had members of Brasstown Fire Department standing by along with a response from the State Bureau of Investigation’s Bomb Squad. Working together we are continuing to keep Cherokee County Safe and secure.”

Sheriff Palmer encourages any one that has information to report it. To report crime in Cherokee County you can call the anonymous tip line at 828-837-1344 or email a tip at crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov or call 911 if you observe a crime in progress.