The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is leading the investigation into the box of explosives found at CMC Recycling, with support from the Texas Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit. Knoxville, KPD spokesman Scott Erland said Oct. 16.

The investigation is now focused on finding the source of more than 500 pieces of dynamite and 194 detonators discovered in a locked metal box at the Knoxville Recycling Center on October 10.

Investigators are also working to determine whether any violations of law or regulations occurred, Erland said.

“The ATF’s responsibilities include the investigation and prevention of federal offenses involving the illegal use, manufacture, and possession of firearms and explosives; arson and bombings; and the illegal trafficking in alcohol and tobacco products,” according to the ATF.gov website.

What happened at CMC Recyclage

The two-day incident began when CMC Recycling employees called 911 at 2:15 p.m. on Oct. 10 to report they found suspected explosives in a 5-by-5-foot steel box.

Knoxville Fire and KPD closed Western Avenue between Texas and Massachusetts avenues and recommended the evacuation of residents and businesses in surrounding neighborhoods. The Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park opened as an emergency shelter for evacuees overnight and throughout the following day.

The KPD bomb squad used a robot to check the 5-by-5-foot steel box, and officers removed the explosives from the box by hand before destroying them.

Thirty-six hours later, police and city officials gave the all-clear at 10 p.m. on October 11, allowing people to safely return to their homes and businesses in the area.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: ATF to investigate source of dynamite box in Knoxville