Local authorities responded to a bomb threat last Thursday that shut down the DeKalb County Courthouse, and placed several businesses on alert.

DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray and Smithville Police Chief Mark Collins stated "On September 12, 2024, at 9:46 a.m., Central Dispatch received a call from a male subject stating there was a bomb in the Dekalb County Courthouse. The caller also referenced additional bombs, but did not give locations at the time.

The Dekalb County Sheriff Department, Smithville Police Department, Smithville Fire Department, DeKalb EMS, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Highway Patrol Special Operations Unit, Tennessee Homeland Security Agency, the FBI and a K-9 and handler from Lebanon Police Department were all summoned to the scene.

The Courthouse was evacuated and searched by Officers and the K-9.  A package of concern was found and was cleared. There are no more active threats at this time that we are aware of. Two people of interest were picked up and questioned, but no arrests have been made. The investigation continues.

Anyone having information on the caller, please contact central dispatch at 615-215-3000. Any and all bomb or school shooting threats will be prosecuted to the highest extent of the law."