Bomb Squad Searching for Suspected Device at Millwood Lake

The discovery of a possible explosive device has prompted a multi-agency search at Beards Bluff on Millwood Lake, just Northeast of Texarkana, after a man told deputies he had thrown a guitar case containing a suspected bomb into the water.

According to the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to Beards Bluff around 3 PM Monday, November 9, after receiving a report about a possible explosive device in the lake.

When deputies arrived, they spoke with a man from Jacksonville, Arkansas, who said he believed a bomb might be inside a guitar case he had thrown into the water.

Bomb Squad Called to Assist

During the investigation, deputies reportedly found several disassembled computer components inside the man's vehicle. Pliers and other tools were also located in a fire ring at a nearby campsite.

Given the possibility that an explosive device was in the lake, the Sheriff's Office contacted Hempstead County Emergency Management and requested assistance from the Arkansas State Police (ASP) Bomb Squad.

The bomb squad arrived near dark and began searching the shoreline and surrounding area. The US Army Corps of Engineers provided a boat to assist with the operation, while Arkansas Game and Fish Commission wildlife enforcement officers also responded.

The Search Resumed Today (Tuesday)

Search operations continued until approximately 10:30 PM Monday before being suspended because of darkness. Authorities planned to resume the search Tuesday (today), November 10, when visibility and conditions would allow crews to continue safely.

The Sheriff's Office says the investigation remains active and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Officials are reminding the public not to approach or handle suspicious objects that could potentially be explosive. Anyone who encounters something suspicious should immediately contact law enforcement.

In other words, if you see a guitar case floating by on Millwood Lake or one of its tributaries, don't touch it. Call 911 immediately.

I can't wait to hear this guy's explanation.

Heampstead County Sheriff's Office