Brockville Walmart evacuated after receiving threatening phone calls

Walmart in Brockville, Ont. July 8, 2024. (Jack Richardson/CTV News Ottawa).

Brockville Police are investigating after a pair of threatening phone calls were made to the city’s Walmart location on Sunday, forcing shoppers and staff to evacuate.

Police say in a news release that officers were called at approximately 4:30 p.m. after staff received a call from a person claiming explosive devices had been placed inside the store.

The store was safely evacuated as a precaution, and the Ontario Provincial Police’s Explosive Disposal Unit was called in. An investigation found no suspicious items.

At about 8 p.m., police were notified about a second threatening phone call believed to be from the same person.

Officers returned to the area and the store was evacuated again to allow for an investigation.

The building was determined to be safe and staff were able to close the store under police supervision.

“All employees exited the store without incident,” Brockville police said.

“Investigators have determined that no devices or weapons were present at any time. The matter remains under investigation as police continue to attempt to identify the source of the calls.”

Police have determined there were no weapons or explosives located in the store at any time.

Despite reports of similar calls in other jurisdictions, police say they have not determined a link with those incidents.

“The public is reminded to be aware regardless of any threat, and in the event of any immediate concern for safety, call 911,” police said.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App