Man arrested after police find him with homemade explosive device

A man has been arrested and charged after police found him with a weapon, drugs and a homemade explosive device Tuesday night at 5118 Highway 153.

Chattanooga police received a call about a suspicious person and package at 10:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Officers found 34-year-old Josh Redden lying on the sidewalk next to a motorcycle and a backpack. Redden told police the motorcycle and the backpack belonged to him, he also had a large knife and drug paraphernalia.

Police searched the backpack and found what Redden confirmed to police to be a homemade explosive device. Leaving the items in place, officers backed away from the area with Redden.

A nearby business shut down and was evacuated while portions of Hwy 153 and Hamill Road were closed for public safety.

The Chattanooga Bomb Squad and ATF responded to the scene and disrupted the explosive device.

Redden has been charged with public intoxication, drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and a prohibited weapon.

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