Saddleback Hospital Targeted With Hoax Bomb Threat Again

LAGUNA HILLS, CA — Authorities are investigating today after a south Orange County hospital was hit with a hoax bomb threat over the busy holiday weekend for the second time in less than a week.

A caller falsely reported that a bomb had been placed on the grounds at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center Saturday night in Laguna Hills, temporarily halting movement in and out of the hospital, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. The sheriff's department established a perimeter and methodically searched for an explosive device, officials tweeted. In under two hours, authorities determined the call was another hoax, and investigators are working to determine who is behind the false bomb threats.

At 9:19 p.m., sheriff's officials tweeted: "After a complete search of the hospital and the surrounding area, it has been determined that the threat to the hospital was a hoax. The hospital will reopen shortly."

Sheriff's officials added that "@OCSheriff investigators will work to identify who called in the threat so they can be held accountable."

There was a similar hoax bomb threat at the same hospital at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26, sheriff's officials said .

"That does not change the law enforcement response to this call. @OCSheriff assets are being deployed to ensure the safety of our community," sheriff's officials tweeted late Saturday.

"Throughout the duration of the call, @OCSheriff was in unified command with @OCFireAuthority and worked with hospital administration to ensure the safety of all patients and staff at the hospital. Thank you to our partners for taking this threat seriously and working with us."

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.