Knightdale, NC – Authorities are now investigating bomb alerts issued Sunday morning at two different Walmart stores in the area. Law enforcement agencies are trying to find out if the two threats were related.
KNIGHTDALE
A Walmart in Knightdale was evacuated for a bomb threat around 8:30 am. It was reopened from noon.
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a bomb threat at Walmart at 7106 Knightdale Blvd. A man called the store to say he had placed appliances in the building and threatened to detonate them unless he got a certain amount.
At 10:30 am, police said there appeared to be no threat in the store. Everyone was evacuated safely.
After three hours of looking through the inside of the building for clues, the ‘all clear’ sign was given at 11:45 am. Bomb-sniffing dogs and drones were used.
“The content of those demands lead us to believe there are other issues at play,” said Knightdale Police Chief Lawrence Capps.
“We are grateful for the outcome of the incident,” said Capps. “While this threat was unfounded, I am happy with the way our agents and our area partners came together to resolve it. The combined reaction was both complicated and efficient. It is proof of the working relationships that exist within our province and proof of a unified commitment to public safety. “
A woman shopping told WRAL that emergency responders rushed to the Knightdale store and told her to leave.
“It’s like, oh my god, what did I just drive into?” said Kris Minton. “It was a terrifying experience.”
There were no injuries. Knightdale Fire Department and EMS also responded.
DURHAM
In addition, Durham Police are investigating that a bomb threat has been made at Walmart at 1525 Glenn School Rd. in Durham. The threat was called in at around 8:10 a.m. and the caller noted that he was in the men’s room in the store with a dozen pipe bombs going to go off.
Durham Police said the caller was using the same name and Voice over Internet protocol (commonly referred to as VOIP) phone number as the caller from the Knightdale store bomb threat. The number was routed over the internet to mask the location.
The store reopened after being closed for several hours.
No explosives were found. No injuries were reported.
Agents blocked the entrances to the store, which is located between Interstate 85 and E. Geer St.
Authorities began removing the tape from the crime scene at Durham Walmart at around 10:50 AM. Ambulances and fire trucks left the shop.
