Threat in women's restroom stall leads to Walmart evacuation

Official Press Release

Date: March 8th, 2018
Time: 12:02 pm
Location: Wal-Mart Supercenter
Suspect/s: Pending Further

At or around 12:02 pm on March 8th, 2018, the Cherokee County 911 Dispatch Center received a call from the Wal-Mart Supercenter Management Team advising of a bomb threat inside of their store. The bomb threat was found in the women's bathroom in one of the stalls. Upon law enforcement arrival on scene, a brief sweep was conducted in the store. At this time it was determined by Wal-Mart Supercenter Management to evacuate the store per their protocol for everyone's safety.

Upon searching the store, nothing was able to be located. During this time, the Asheville Police Department (Bomb Squad Division) was contacted in reference to assisting us. After speaking with them regarding their concerns and speaking with the Wal-Mart Supercenter's Management, it was determined that the store would reopen shortly after 1:00 pm. It is our understanding that a similar incident had happened at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Weaverville, NC earlier this week. At this time, we are still reviewing surveillance footage.

At this time, we cannot release any further information on the actual threat itself due to further investigation. This investigation will remain open until otherwise noted. We will keep the public advised of any changes in the investigation.

"The Murphy Police Department would like to thank the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, Cherokee County 911 Dispatch Center, Cherokee County EMS, Cherokee County Emergency Management, Murphy Volunteer Fire Department (Station 11) and the Asheville Police Department (Bomb Squad Division) for their assistance in this matter.  We would also like to thank the shoppers and employees at the Wal-Mart Supercenter during this time for remaining orderly during the evacuation. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused anyone."

Thank You,
Justin J. Jacobs
Chief of Police