A phoned-in bomb threat jolted UW Valley Medical Center in Renton on Sunday evening, triggering a rapid police response and a full K-9 sweep of the hospital. After a careful search turned up nothing suspicious, operations continued without evacuation and no injuries were reported.
What Police Say
According to KIRO 7, a 911 caller reported a bomb threat just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Renton police officers moved in, secured the area and called in backup from the Port of Seattle Police Department. Port of Seattle K-9 teams then swept the building but did not find any suspicious items. Police said the case will be handed over to detectives for follow-up.
Port of Seattle K-9 Unit
The Port of Seattle Police Explosives Detection Canine Unit uses both TSA and air-scent dogs that undergo strict annual certification and are trained to pick up explosive odors in a variety of environments. These teams support bomb-disposal operations and are frequently called in to search large facilities when local departments ask for help, according to the Port of Seattle.
What It Meant For Patients And Staff
Valley Medical Center's main campus, located at Valley Medical Center in Renton, continued normal operations once the building was cleared. As reported by KIRO 7, no evacuations were ordered, no one was hurt and detectives are now tasked with tracking down the origin of the threat call.
