Arrest made after hundreds evacuated in Maryville, police say
The incident caused 19 businesses and about 430 residents to be evacuated from the area.
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Police arrested a man after intentionally tampering with gas valves, according to officials with the Maryville Police Department.
Officers responded after a suspect was seen running away from a natural gas connection near Celtic Drive.
He was suspected of opening valves to the gas line and arrested.
“There was a brief closure of the northbound lanes 129 bypass in an abundance of caution while responders entered the facility to shut off the valves,” Maryville officials said. “This incident also required a total of 19 businesses and approximately 430 residents in the area to be temporarily evacuated out of an abundance of caution due to the gas in the atmosphere.”
Two natural gas companies responded as well as fire and police crews.
No injuries were reported.
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