Local and federal authorities are investigating a pair of bomb threats that targeted Walmart stores in Batesville and Ash Flat on Sunday afternoon.
The Batesville Police Department reported that after an extensive search involving the Arkansas State Police and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, the threat against the Batesville location was determined to be not credible.
Approximately 30 miles north in Ash Flat, a caller claimed at 5:20 p.m. that explosive devices had been placed inside that city’s Walmart. A coordinated search by multiple agencies—including the Sharp County Sheriff’s Office and a bomb detection K-9—concluded around 7 p.m. with no devices found.
Batesville investigators, working with federal partners, said they are conducting a thorough investigation into those responsible for the calls. Sharp County Sheriff Shane Russell confirmed their investigation remains ongoing and thanked Sheriff Shawn Stephens and the Independence County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the incident.
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