ERWIN, N.C. — A peaceful Sunday evening at the Walmart on East Jackson Boulevard was abruptly interrupted by a bomb threat, prompting a large-scale emergency response and the temporary evacuation of the retail facility.
The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received the initial call regarding the threat at approximately 6:30 p.m. While the store carries an Erwin mailing address, Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay confirmed that the location falls within the jurisdiction of the Dunn Police Department, which immediately assumed command of the scene.
In response to the emergency, seven Dunn police units were deployed to the site. They were joined by deputies from the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a systematic and thorough search of the building. Simultaneously, officers from the Erwin Police Department were on hand to manage traffic flow around the shopping center, ensuring that emergency vehicles had clear access and that the public remained at a safe distance.
For several hours, the store was placed on lockdown and evacuated as law enforcement officers swept the premises for any suspicious items. Shoppers and employees were forced to wait in the parking lot as the investigation unfolded. During this time, the area was cordoned off to ensure the safety of the surrounding community.
By 9:00 p.m., after an exhaustive search of the facility, law enforcement determined that the threat was not credible. Shortly thereafter, officers began the process of clearing the scene and reopening the parking lot to the public. No injuries were reported, and no explosive devices or suspicious materials were discovered during the operation.
In a statement released following the incident, a spokesperson for Walmart emphasized that the company cooperated fully with the authorities throughout the ordeal.
“The safety of our associates and customers is a top priority,” the statement read. “We appreciate the swift response of local law enforcement and will work closely with them as they investigate.”
As the facility returned to normal operations late Sunday night, authorities did not immediately release details regarding the origin of the threatening phone call or potential suspects involved. The investigation remains active and ongoing as police work to trace the source of the communication.
Dunn police are encouraging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the department as they continue their efforts to identify the individual or individuals responsible for the disruption. Local officials have not yet indicated if the threat was a targeted act or a random hoax, but have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining public safety in the retail corridor.
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