Sharp County Sheriff reports a bomb threat was called in at the Ash Flat Walmart store. Law enforcement has reportedly conducted a search of the store and have concluded that it was a false report.
There were earlier reports of heavy police presence at Walmart in Batesville, this was also reported to be a bomb threat.
Authorities say there may have been other threats, both investigations continue.
Statement from Sheriff Russell-
This afternoon at approximately 5:20 PM, the Ash Flat Walmart received a bomb threat from a caller claiming explosive devices had been placed inside the store.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office, Ash Flat Police Department, Cherokee Village Police Department, Highland Police Department, Hardy Police Department, Arkansas State Police, Ash Flat Fire Department, Spring River Ambulance Service, and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office responded and conducted a coordinated search of the premises, including the use of a bomb detection K-9.
At approximately 7:00 PM, the search concluded with no credible threat identified.
The Sharp County Sheriff’s Office thanks Sheriff Shawn Stephens and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during this incident.
This is an ongoing investigation.
From the Batesville PD….
Today, April 26th, a bomb threat was called in at the local Walmart Store. After an extensive search by area Law Enforcement, the threat was not verified as credible.
We would like to thank the Arkansas State Police and Independence County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
Investigators from the Batesville Police Department, as well as our Federal Partners, will be conducting a thorough investigation into the persons responsible for the threat.