Wal-Mart Reopened After
Suspicious Package Closed Store
Published: 11:44 AM, 04/30/2008 Last updated: 11:45 AM, 04/30/2008
Source: The Greeneville Sun
Remote-Controlled
Camera Device
Is Sent Into Store
By TOM YANCEY
Staff Writer
The Wal-Mart Supercenter was reopened at 11:20 a.m. after being closed for two-and-a-half hours because of a bomb threat after a suspicious package that resembled a black briefcase was found near a front entrance.
The store was being investigated during the closing by a remote controlled camera device operated by the police.
No explosion had occurred and no one was injured, authorities at the scene reported.
Greeneville Police Captain David Crum, who was at the scene, said store officials contacted the police department after seeing a note had been attached to the package.
Greeneville police responded with their bomb squad truck and trailer, he said. An EMS ambulance also responded, as required when there is a bomb threat.
Crum said it was the Wal-Mart management's decision to evacaute the store "to ensure the safety of personnel and customers."
Store personnel then gathered at the far side of the Wal-Mart parking lot.
Shortly before 10 a.m., police had sent a remote-controlled bomb observation unit to examine the package with the note.
The store was reoponed at 11:20 a.m. when police and Wal-Mart officials were satisified that it was safe to enter the building.