Spotsylvania Towne Center Reopens After Bomb Threat: UPDATE

FREDERICKSBURG, VA - The Spotsylvania Towne Center was evaucated Saturday for a bomb threat, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s office confirmed to Patch.

Authorities received a bomb threat at 1:30 p.m. and decided to evacuate the crowded mall. The mall reopened to the public around 4:15 p.m.

Deputies searched the mall with K-9s and also conducted a physical search of the center. After a through search of the mall, authorities determined that the threat was a hoax, Spotsylvania Towne Center said in a statement posted to Facebook.

“We apologize to all who were inconvenienced during this incident. We also extend our sincere thanks to the law enforcement personnel from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff Department, Department of Homeland Security, Fredericksburg Police and Virginia State Police who acted so quickly and diligently,” the statement said.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office will continue the investigation the bomb threat, Sheriff Roger Harris said in a statement.

“Our Deputies and K-9 teams train for these incidents on a regular basis and coordination between our State, Local and Federal partners is also rehearsed, in order to provide our citizens with the highest level of response, expertise and professionalism that they expect and deserve,” he said.

Several people visiting the mall tweeted about being evacuated from the mall and of a heavy police presence.

Image Credit: @princesswendell

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