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Jul 27, 2023

Shelter in place order lifted after threat in Sunbury

by: Daniel Griffin, Caleb Michael Posted: Aug 27, 2023 / 03:42 PM EDT Updated: Aug 27, 2023 / 06:08 PM EDT SUNBURY, Ohio (WCMH) — A threat made at Sunbury’s town hall resulted in the building closing

by: Daniel Griffin, Caleb Michael

Posted: Aug 27, 2023 / 03:42 PM EDT

Updated: Aug 27, 2023 / 06:08 PM EDT

SUNBURY, Ohio (WCMH) — A threat made at Sunbury’s town hall resulted in the building closing and a shelter-in-place order being issued Sunday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office said a shelter-in-place order went into effect for a 1/2-mile radius surrounding Sunbury Square on 51 East Cherry Street in Sunbury, Delaware County. That order was lifted just after 5:30 p.m.

At approximately 2 p.m., a man called the county’s 911 center claiming to have placed explosive devices around the building, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tracy Whited said.

“We are going through the town hall area, any specific items of threat to make sure there is no risk to the public before we deem everything is clear, and then, hopefully, we’ll have everything opened up again here soon as this does appear again to be a swatting situation, of which we are investigating to its fullest, and we’ll hold those accountable upon being identified,” Sunbury Police Deputy Chief Sean Wade said at the scene.

The sheriff’s office, working with Sunbury and Genoa Township police, evacuated a small number of people who were inside the building at that time. No injuries were reported.

After a cursory search by deputies and police officers, no devices were found. However, to be safe, the Columbus bomb squad unit assisted with a more thorough search of the building and grounds, Whited said.

Wade added that Sunbury police are working with state and federal agencies to identify the caller.

This story will be updated once more information is available.

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