TOP STORY OF THE DAY, brought to you free by WICU: Threat of violence at Walmart being investigated

IVY JACOBS PHOTO - The Brazil Walmart was evacuated on Thursday evening due to an alleged bomb threat. Brazil Police Department is investigating.

Brazil Police Department continues the investigation into a threat of violence at Walmart, at 2150 East National Avenue, Thursday evening.

Assistant Police Chief Dennis Archer said specific details about the case are limited due to the ongoing investigation. However, he said the incident started at approximately 7:50 p.m. when someone called the store making an alleged bomb threat to an unidentified employee. The store called 911 to report the threat.

While the Clay County 911 Dispatch Center was dispatching officers to the scene around 7:58 p.m., dispatch advised the store employees to initiate whatever Walmart's evacuation protocols had for the shoppers' and staff members.

Shoppers and the Walmart staff evacuated without incident. However, some people questioned why they had to go through the checkout before doing so.

"Our main objective at that point is to get people as quickly and safely as possible out of the store," said Archer, who admits he doesn't know the specifics of the store's policy in that situation. "Obviously, the store does not want people to walk out with unpaid merchandise. Maybe some people wanted to pay for their merchandise because they didn't feel safe coming back inside to do it later. I don't know."

Archer said law enforcement's objective is safety.

"There's nothing in that store worth yours or your family's safety or lives," Archer said, offering advice to shoppers if they ever hear that type of announcement while in a store. "Grab what you brought in – your family, your coat, your purse, whatever – and get out. Got a full cart, it doesn't matter, leave and get out. You don't have to run. Walk to where you are told to go safely. Don't push or shove, just get out."

Archer said law enforcement officers might advise evacuees to go to a safe location or gather at a specific area to speak with them about what has happened.

"You might have seen something important, and the officers will want to talk to you in that case," he said. "Listen to the instructions they give you. If they want you to leave the property, then leave. If they want you to stage somewhere to ask questions, then we hope you would do that to help us out."

The main objective is to get out of the situation safely.

When members of BPD, Clay County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police arrived at the scene, officers began to formulate a plan. Due to the Indiana State Police bomb squad unit being a couple of hours away, local officials discussed the best way to implement a search for an unusual or suspicious package in the building.

After a brief meeting with staff members, Walmart management closed the store early Thursday.

Law enforcement was on the scene for approximately two hours. The subsequent thorough search of the building turned up no suspicious items. According to Archer, that's a good thing. But there is always a chance for a "copycat" to try and do it again.

Archer hopes the investigation will lead to the identity of the person who did this. If so, there are potential felony charges that could be filed.

"Our end goal is to identify the person or persons responsible for this and hold them accountable," Archer said.

The incident at the Brazil Walmart hit social media quickly, with many residents asking questions, seeking answers and postulating why.

Archer understands technology has created the need for "information now, but how much can you really trust social media? You don't know if what you're reading is a rumor or not."

Not only can posts speculating what is happening during an emergency on social media create possible fear or anxiety of family members about their loved one's safety, but it can also encourage "gawkers." Even after the evacuation was complete, the Walmart parking lot was abuzz with vehicles driving around trying to get a glimpse at what was going on.

"There are lots of reasons why a person would make posts on social media. Maybe to let others know what they were involved in, or that they are safe," he said. "For whatever reason, there is no reason to put your life at risk and take it upon yourself to go down and get a first-hand account. Because at that point, you're creating more of a problem."