Strathmore Walmart evacuated after bomb threat

Janet Kanters
Times Associate Editor

 

Photo Courtesy of 660 NEWS, Ian Campbell

 

Strathmore Walmart was evacuated and RCMP and other emergency personnel were called in to investigate a bomb threat made to the store On Feb. 7.
The call came in to the retailer at about 11:45 a.m., and police and the fire department immediately secured the scene.
“We dispatched members to the scene, and we helped with the evacuation of employees and customers,” said Strathmore RCMP Staff Sgt. Kevin O’Dwyer. “We cordoned off the area and we got the help from the community peace officers from Strathmore and Wheatland County, and from the Strathmore Fire Department – they came to assist us to close off the area to make sure we don’t have people wandering into the area where it’s unsafe. Then we began our investigation.”
The K-9 unit was called in from Airdrie to assist.
“The dog has a much better ability to detect if there is any explosive material in the area,” noted O’Dwyer. “And so we do the search in conjunction with the dog, for the safety of our members and obviously for the general public as well.”
After a lengthy search, officers were unable to find any explosives or the person responsible for calling in the threat. Store employees and customers were allowed back in the store by 4:30 p.m.
The Strathmore RCMP will continue the investigation into the threats which led to the building being evacuated.
“Our investigation is still ongoing. We’re looking for the people or persons who may have been responsible for this,” said O’Dwyer.
This isn’t the first time a bomb threat has been received at Strathmore Walmart. On Jan. 21, 2013, at about 1 p.m., Strathmore RCMP, Wheatland EMS and the Strathmore Fire Department responded to a call from the Strathmore Walmart after a store employee received a phone call stating there was a bomb inside the building. The store was evacuated for about two and a half hours while emergency personnel conducted an extensive search. Strathmore RCMP charged two youths, aged 15 and 16, with mischief and uttering threats in the connection with the bomb threat.
As to the incident this past Tuesday, investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3535, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).