Suspected pipe bomb turns out to be harmless

What authorities initially feared might be a homemade explosive device at a McKenzie residence last week turned out not to be a bomb, according to a press release from the McKenzie Police Department.

As detailed in the press release, McKenzie police officers were investigating a harassment case at a residence on Forrest Avenue on August 3.

During a search of the residence, officers found a piece of PVC pipe that was capped at both ends and which appeared similar in nature to a pipe bomb.

Due to the unknown nature of the item, officers closed off multiple street in the area around the residence for safety reasons.

Emergency medical personnel and firefighters with the McKenzie Fire Department were also standing by.

Officers with the Jackson Police Department Bomb Squad and the Tennessee Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were called to assist with the investigation.

During that investigation, the item was determined not to be an explosive device.

The item was disposed of, and the closed streets were reopened to the public.