UPDATE 12/07/18 900AM
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has new information regarding the incident in Haskell December 6th involving an individual with an explosive device.
SCSO Criminal Investigation Division detectives have arrested Joshua Michael Thacker, age 30, of Bauxite. Detectives state that Thacker was in possession of the explosive device when deputies contacted him Thursday.
He has been charged with:
- Criminal Acts Involving Explosives (5-73-108)
- Interruption of a Vital Public Facility (5-38-205)
- Obstruction of Governmental Operations (5-54-102)
Mr. Thacker is scheduled to appear in court at 10 AM this morning for a bond hearing. Currently, SCSO detectives do not believe there are any additional explosive devices that remain at large. This remains an ongoing criminal investigation. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
UPDATE 12/06/18 1235PM
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is currently investigating the discovery of an explosive device. SCSO deputies made contact with an individual walking near a highway in the Haskell area at approximately 7:40 AM Thursday, December 6th. During the interaction with the individual, it was discovered that the person was in possession of an explosive device.
Deputies immediately took steps to secure the area around the device. Due to their proximity to the scene, as a precaution, Harmony Grove Schools were notified and locked down. The Little Rock Fire Department responded and neutralized the device.
There is currently no threat to public safety, and school and local business operations have resumed. The individual is being interviewed by SCSO Criminal Investigation Division detectives. The investigation is ongoing in conjunction with federal partner agencies. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
ORIGINAL 12/06/18 845AM
Allis under control at this time, but there was a period where Harmony Grove Schools were on lockdown Thursday morning. Haskell Mayor Janie Lyman said traffic was being rerouted due to report of a bomb threat. That’s all we have for now. We’ll report more as we get it.