WHITE LAKE (WWJ) – Police are investigating a series of bomb threats made against at least three Metro Detroit Walmart stores that authorities believe may be part of “a larger effort to disrupt the retailing giant.”
Walmart stores in Rochester Hills and White Lake Township received threatening phone calls around 11 a.m. Monday, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s office. A Walmart store in Wayne County’s Canton also received a similar threat, officials said.
Authorities say a male caller threatened to blow up the stores unless a cash ransom was paid. Officials didn’t disclose how much the caller was demanding.
The stores were immediately evacuated and deputies along with explosive detection K9s were dispatched to the stores.
“We’ve seen similar things happen in different parts of the country,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “In the other threats, they were not credible. But out of an abundance of caution, explosive-detection dogs were sent to check the stores. We will be working with other authorities locally and nationally to investigate.”
Officials did not immediately release any further details about the other threats, including when and where they were made. Numerous media reports show similar threats have been made in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado and other states.
No explosives were discovered in either the White Lake Township or Rochester Hills locations, according to the OCSO. There was no immediate word on whether anything was found in Canton.
The stores were expected to reopen later Monday afternoon.
The Rochester Hills Walmart is located at 2500 S. Adams Road. The White Lake Township Walmart is at 9190 Highland Road.
Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest details on this developing story. >>> LISTEN LIVE!
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