3/14/2008

There were some tense moments at the Hamilton County Jail this afternoon when two security officers were injured by what was initially thought to be an explosive device.  The incident occurred just before noon on Level B-1.  Exactly what happened is still being determined, but one of the deputies reportedly came upon some sort of device, and as he attempted to pick it up, the device activated and sprayed the officer with an unknown substance.  The officer immediately began to feel an intense burning sensation in his eyes.  Another deputy who was nearby immediately transported the injured officer to Erlanger Medical Center.  That officer also became contaminated and started to complain of similar symptoms, though less severe.  In both cases, their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

The Chattanooga Fire Department, Chattanooga Police Department and Hamilton County EMS all responded to the county jail at 601 Walnut Street.  Battalion Chief Bob Dixon said all employees on Level B-1 and the first floor were evacuated as a precaution.  Then members of the fire department's hazardous materials team, as well as technicians with the police department's bomb squad went in to investigate.  After taking samples from the contaminated area, it was quickly determined that the substance involved was pepper spray.  Chief Dixon said that the inmates in the jail were never in any danger.  Lieutenant David Woosley with the bomb squad said the officers in the county jail did an excellent job of evacuating the affected area and securing the jail.

Sheriff's Department PIO Sgt. Max Templeton said the pepper spray came from what appeared to be a "personal defense device" that uses pepper spray.  Sgt. Templeton said it is not known why the device discharged, but based on the information obtained so far, it appears that the device was discharged accidentally.  After confirming the nature of the incident, the employees were allowed back into the building around 1:00 p.m.

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