Yesterday morning, an unsettling disruption unfurled at the Southern Wire Corporation in Olive Branch when authorities were alerted to a potential bomb threat at the facility's loading dock. As per a city spokesperson, a 911 call was placed at 9:17 a.m., which set off a series of precautionary evacuations around the vicinity of the wire rope manufacturing plant. This information comes directly from an article by Action News 5.
The Olive Branch Police Department (OBPD) responded promptly to the call, shutting down the area for several hours to contend with a device resembling a bomb found under a docking plate. A photo received by FOX13 depicted the object made up of three cylindrical items wrapped in black and red tape with a cell phone fastened on top. The locale near the Olive Branch Airport was swiftly evacuated as emergency teams, including the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, took charge of the situation.
A high-tech robot became the tool through which the suspicious device was incapacitated, ensuring no harm could befall those in the perimeter. OBPD, along with the supporting agencies, thoroughly swept the premises, declaring it safe following an exhaustive search. This sequence of events was corroborated by a press release, with further details disclosed by Local Memphis.
"To be honest, I moved to Olive Branch to stay safe, so the police are doing a good job," stated Tim Battles in an interview with FOX13. "But right now we need to know something. We need to know what's going on." Fellow resident Kevin Malone echoed this sentiment, expressing to FOX13 a lingering sense of unease regarding the safety of the area.
The OBPD tempered local concerns by affirming the absence of any immediate threats, despite the rigorous investigative efforts underway. The day ended with the blockade lifted.
