Morgan County, TN – Authorities have arrested a Harriman man after discovering an alleged military rocket launcher and multiple hoax devices during an attempted warrant arrest Thursday in Morgan County.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), agents responded after two private fugitive recovery agents attempted to take Tommy Cooper into custody on an outstanding Roane County warrant for failure to appear. When agents arrived at Cooper’s home on Forest Hill Drive, Cooper allegedly fled on foot, prompting a search of the property.
During the sweep, recovery agents reportedly discovered what appeared to be a U.S. military rocket launcher, four improvised devices, three muzzle-loaded rifles, and several edged weapons. Local law enforcement and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Devices Unit, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), were called to the scene due to concerns about potentially explosive materials.
According to TBI, specialists determined the rocket launcher to be inert and non-functional, and classified the four improvised devices as hoax devices containing powder but lacking explosive capability. Cooper was eventually located following a brief foot chase through a wooded area and taken into custody by law enforcement.
Agents allege Cooper was in possession of prohibited hoax devices and subsequently charged him with four counts of Prohibited Weapon – Hoax Device. He was booked into the Morgan County Jail and is currently being held without bond.
Officials remind the public that all charges are allegations, and Cooper is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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