Elkhart Police Investigate a Fake Walgreens Bomb Threat

The Elkhart Police Department is investigating a fake bomb threat the Elkhart Walgreens on South Nappanee Street received Friday morning. Officials said a Walgreens employee called the city’s 911 Communications Center to report that an unknown caller reported putting an explosive device in the store and demanded to receive money on gift cards. 

The EPD and Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department evacuated the store and searched the building, but no devices or suspicious items were located. Officials on scene determined the threat was not credible and no apparent danger to the public. However, officers did arrest a bicyclist on scene on other outstanding, unrelated warrants. There is no information linking him to the bomb threats at this time, they said. 

In Indiana, calling in a bomb threat to a public place, such as a store, is a serious criminal offense, even if the threat is fake. Under Indiana law, making a false report that causes evacuation, disruption, or fear of harm is considered a felony. 

Depending on the circumstances, the charges and penalties for making bomb threats can be severe, such as threats involving a school, government building, or causing injuries during an evacuation. Convictions for reporting fake bomb threats can result in significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.

If you have been charged with a crime, contact the experienced Elkhart criminal defense lawyers at Wilson & Kinsman, LLC today. Call 574-522-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, we proudly serve clients in Marshall, LaGrange, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Porter, Lake, Noble, Whitley, Elkhart, and St. Joseph.