Chattanooga, TN – Detectives and deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office located and arrested Kevin Wade O’Neal, 54, at a residence on Amber Way in Old Fort on August 1, 2025, while attempting to serve active warrants for allegedly threatening to kill public officials and law enforcement.
Upon entering the bedroom where O’Neal had been found, officers noticed smoke and what appeared to be an improvised explosive device. The residence was immediately evacuated, and assistance was requested from the Chattanooga Police Department Bomb Squad and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
During a subsequent search of the home, Chattanooga bomb technicians and ATF agents located fourteen improvised explosive devices. Investigators believe O’Neal attempted to detonate the devices during deputies’ arrival and while they were placing him into custody.
O’Neal is charged with nine counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly attempting to kill the nine Polk County officers present during the arrest, two counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly attempting to kill two other individuals inside the residence, fourteen counts of prohibited weapons, and one count of possession of explosive components. He remains in custody at the Polk County Jail as his bond has not yet been set.
Sheriff Steve Ross expressed gratitude to the numerous agencies that assisted, including West Polk Fire and Rescue, AmeriPro EMS, Tennessee Highway Patrol, the 10th Judicial District Drug Task Force, Chattanooga Police Department Bomb Squad, the Tennessee Department of Homeland Security, and the ATF.