January 5, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
A motorist pulled over Tuesday night, January 4 by a sheriff’s department deputy for a light law violation was found with homemade explosives (bomb), a large amount of cash, methamphetamine, marijuana, shotgun, and a revolver.
40-year-old Shane Gray of Gene Roads Sparta is charged with carrying prohibited weapons (explosives); possession of Methamphetamine with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell; armed dangerous felony; and sale and delivery of a schedule VI drug (Marijuana). He was also issued a citation for a light and registration law violation, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond totals $350,000.
In a prepared statement, Sheriff Patrick Ray said that “On January 4, while patrolling on Sparta Highway (Highway 70 east) a deputy observed a car traveling with a head light out. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, who was found to be Shane Gray. After checking the man’s driver license for validation, central dispatch advised the deputy to use caution with the suspect due to him being wanted out of Warren County for reckless endangerment and evading arrest. While the deputy was placing Gray under arrest, Gray advised the deputy he had a handgun in his waist band. After Gray was taken into custody, the deputy conducted an inventory search of the vehicle and found a shotgun, revolver, and a homemade explosive device. There were additional materials that could be used for making more explosives. The deputy also discovered approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine with a street value of $10,000; 2.4 ounces of marijuana along with several baggies, digital scales, and pipes. The officer further seized $3,786 dollars in cash and Gray’s 2002 Audi A5. There were over 300 rounds of ammunition with the weapons,” said Sheriff Ray.
“The Tennessee Highway Patrol Bomb Squad was summoned to take custody of the explosive device and destroyed it at the scene. The Smithville Fire Department and DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services were also placed on standby due to the severity of the scene with the explosive device and the Smithville Police Department assisted in the case,” Sheriff Ray concluded.