Sparta Man Charged After THP Bomb Squad Called

The Tennessee Highway Patrol Bomb Squad called in Tuesday night when a Sparta man was pulled over for a headlight out.

40-year old Shane Gray charged with carrying prohibited weapons, possession of Methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell, armed dangerous felony, and sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug. DeKalb County Sheriffs Department pulled Grey over along Highway 70.

“After checking the man’s driver license for validation, central dispatch advised the deputy to use caution with the suspect due to him being wanted out of Warren County for reckless endangerment and evading arrest,” DeKalb County Sheriff Patrick Ray said in a release. “While the deputy was placing Gray under arrest, Gray advised the deputy he had a handgun in his waist band. After Gray was taken into custody, the deputy conducted an inventory search of the vehicle and found a shotgun, revolver, and a homemade explosive device. There were additional materials that could be used for making more explosives.”

The Bomb Squad destroyed the device on the scene. Gray also carrying some 300 rounds of ammunition. The deputy found 100 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of $10,000 along with 2.4 ounces of marijuana.

Ray said Smithville Police and Smithville Fire also assisted in the arrest. Gray’s bond totals $350,000.