Crime & Safety
Police Believe Kmart Bomb Threat Tied to MA Threats
The area was closed down for over two hours after an individual called the Salem store to report explosives were in the parking lot.
Salem Police Department detectives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are looking into Monday afternoon's bomb threat at the Salem Kmart to "track down the individual or individuals responsible" for the claim, which is similar to several recent incidents in Massachusetts, according to Salem Police Sgt. Jason Smith.
Smith said an individual called the Salem Kmart around 2:20 p.m. Monday, telling store employees that there were explosives in the parking lot. Police arrived on scene and evacuated the store and plaza as a precaution, although Smith said thorough sweeps through the area determined there were no explosive devices.
The store and lot were reopened around 4:30 p.m. after New Hampshire State Police bomb-detecting dogs and officers searched the area. Detectives also did a visual inspection of the store with Kmart managers, although nothing was "out of place" or suspicious, said Smith.
"The matter is still under investigation," said Smith, who said additional details of the investigation couldn't be released Monday. "I can tell you it appears to [be connected to recent threats] made at different Kmarts in Massachusetts."
Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact them at at 893-1911, or the Southern New Hampshire Crimeline at 893-6600.
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