Just after 1 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 29, Walmart in Detroit Lakes received a phone call that, according to reports, alleged a bomb threat.
Walmart management directed an evacuation, according to protocol. Staff then contacted local authorities, who responded, placing the building on lockdown to conduct a thorough search.
No mysterious packages were found while the Detroit Lakes Police Department, Becker County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota State Patrol, and Detroit Lakes Fire Department swept the area. The building was cleared of any threat just before 3 p.m., and the shoppers waiting in a line of cars backed up along Highway 10 during the incident were then allowed in the store to commence searching for those "everyday low prices."
No injuries were reported, but the incident is still under investigation.
According to a press release from Police Chief Steven Todd, law enforcement plans to analyze the phone records and statements from Walmart staff to locate the caller. The person or persons responsible could be charged with terroristic threats, a felony.
