RAINELLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A bomb threat at the Kroger in Rainelle on Monday afternoon prompted an evacuation, but authorities later determined there was no explosive device.
According to the West Virginia State Police, Sergeant S. A. Murphy responded to the store around 2:40 p.m. after Kroger management reported receiving a threatening phone call.
A male caller, using a private number, claimed that a pipe bomb had been placed inside the store and demanded an undisclosed amount of cash, warning that the device would be detonated if his demands were not met.
By the time Sgt. Murphy arrived, Kroger management had already evacuated the store.
A West Virginia State Police bomb technician and a bomb detection canine were brought in to search the premises.
After a thorough sweep, authorities confirmed there was no bomb.
With the scene cleared, Kroger management reopened the store, and business resumed as normal.
Police have not yet identified a suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.
