WATCH: Former ‘To Catch a Predator’ host talks recent Alabama sting operation

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Former “To Catch a Predator” host Chris Hansen joined CBS 42 Morning News to discuss a recent sting operation that resulted in 6 people, including a school teacher, being arrested.

As part of the sting operation, the suspects were told they were communicating with an underage teen and they reportedly continued to have an explicit conversation before agreeing to meet up with the teen. The Blount County Sheriff’s Office stated that the suspects were instead communicating with an investigator.

The six men were all charged with human trafficking, electronic solicitation and traveling to meet a child to perform a sexual act following a sting operation, according to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.

Among those arrested was Christopher Thompson, a teacher and bus driver at U.W. Clemon Elementary School.

“Per standard procedure, the employee in question has been placed on administrative leave,” said Jefferson County Schools Director of Communication John Huddleston in a statement.

Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon said when officers identified themselves to Thompson at the sting house, he ran to his car and led them on a three-to-five-mile chase before being arrested.

“One of the guidelines that we make that they have to acknowledge at least once, and we try to get them to acknowledge it multiple times that they are indeed speaking with someone who says that they are under the age of consent,” Moon said.

Hansen said that Thompson’s arrest was disturbing. When he entered the sting house, he had what law enforcement described as a “Love Kit.” Moon said Thompson was also carrying a gun.

“No matter what he says he was going to do or what his excuses are, there is physical evidence that he was coming to that house to have sex with a child,” Hansen said.