After Bomb Threat At Edgewood Church, Officials Give All-Clear

EDGEWOOD, MD — The investigation into a bomb threat at Prince of Peace Church in Edgewood has concluded. No explosives were found, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office.

The all-clear came more than three hours after a threat at the Catholic church in the 2600 block of Willoughby Beach Road prompted a road closure and lockdowns.

Officials said Willoughby Beach Road had reopened and modified lockdowns were lifted around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. Several area schools had modified dismissal plans, and an evening event that was to take place at Edgewood High School was relocated.

Authorities first announced the closure of Willoughby Beach Road at Broadneck Crossing Road before 1:30 p.m.

"We are currently investigating a bomb threat at Prince of Peace Church in the 2600 block of Willoughby Beach Road," the sheriff's office explained after 2 p.m.

The state bomb squad was working on the probe, the Office of the State Fire Marshal reported.

A man who had been wandering in the church parking prompted a call to police, and when an officer arrived, the man indicated he may have explosives in a vehicle, according to The Aegis, which reported this was later found to be unsubstantiated.

For the investigation, Willoughby Beach Road was closed from Perry Avenue to Bauers Drive.

After school and evening activities were canceled at Edgewood High School, Edgewood Middle School and Deerfield Elementary School, according to Harford County Public Schools.

Students who walked to Edgewood High School and Edgewood Middle School were allowed to walk home after the lockdowns were lifted, and Deerfield Elementary was conducting dismissal, officials said around 4:45 p.m.

An event set to take place at Edgewood High School featuring pro wrestler and motivational speaker Marc Mero — billed as the "Champion of Choices Rally" — was moved to the Epicenter at 1918 Pulaski Highway in Edgewood.

PREVIOUS REPORT [EXPIRED]: Before 2:30 p.m, school officials made these announcements about dismissal:

• "Walkers will be held at each of the affected schools" because of the closure of Willoughby Beach Road at Broadneck, according to Harford County Public Schools.
• Edgewood High School: Bus riders have been dismissed. Car riders will be picked up in front of Edgewood Middle School.
• Deerfield Elementary School: Students will be able to dismiss from campus but dismissal may be delayed.
• Edgewood Middle School: Car riders will be picked up in front of the middle school. Bus riders will be picked up at the middle school.

"Parents/Guardians affected by the closure are asked to make alternative arrangements," Harford County Public Schools said in a statement. "We ask for everyone's continued patience as the safety of our students and staff remain our priority."

Fox 45 reported Willoughby Beach Road had reopened after 4:30 p.m. The Harford County Sheriff's Office said in a statement at 4:46 p.m. that the incident had concluded.