CUMBERLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Sheriff Casey Cox

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 29, 2024

FOOD CITY EVACUATED

Crossville, Tennessee – On August 29, 2024, at approximately 12:03 p.m., Cumberland County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported emergency at the Fairfield Glade Food City. An automated message received in the store stated, “This is not a drill, have everyone evacuated by 12:05.”

Sheriff’s Deputies, along with the Cumberland County Fire Department and

 Fairfield Police Department, promptly arrived on the scene to assist in the evacuation of the building. A comprehensive sweep for suspicious packages was conducted. Investigators from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security, and Cumberland County Emergency Management also responded to the incident. A secure perimeter was established around the store, and the Knoxville Bomb Squad was notified to assist.

At 2:48 p.m., after an exhaustive search, an all-clear was issued, confirming that the building was free of any threats. Store staff were then allowed to return to work.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, with efforts led by Sheriff’s Investigators assisted by Homeland Security.