UPDATE: Kingsport police said time tempered care needed with complex, possibly volatile Cooper Street situation

The investigation into a substance or device at a Kingsport property stretched out for hours but a statement from city police said that is typical and needed for this type of case.

A message posted late Wednesday said personnel from particular agencies had to handle the item found on Cooper Street in such a fashion because they were complex and take time to evaluate.

Patrol cruisers were placed on surrounding city streets to block traffic from entering the work area in the Lynn Garden community while residents living near the affected area were evacuated from their homes and taken to a nearby church for safety.

Police and emergency teams communicated with officers at the site via equipment posted at a command post set up at the Lynn Garden Community Center.

A loud but muffled boom could be heard throughout the neighborhood just after 8 p.m. but officers on site would not confirm if that was part of the investigation or disposal.

(IMAGES: J. OLSEN / BRISTOL BROADCASTING CO. NEWS)