A west Phoenix Walmart near 75th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road was cleared out on Saturday after a reported bomb threat, according to police. Shoppers and employees were escorted out of the building while officers set up a perimeter and carried out a step-by-step sweep of the store. After a walk-through, officers said they did not find any suspicious items and gave the all-clear.
As reported by 12News, video posted to the Citizen app showed a heavy police response outside the store, with customers waiting in the parking lot while officers worked inside. The Phoenix Police Department told the station that officers completed a walk-through, found nothing suspicious and handled the evacuation as a precaution while investigators evaluated the call that triggered the scare.
What authorities look for and why
The Department of Homeland Security advises that any suspicious item should be isolated, left untouched and reported so that trained detection teams or bomb-squad units can perform the search. Federal guidance also calls for securing ventilation systems and following a site’s emergency plan while first responders conduct a controlled sweep and focus on protecting the public. The actions taken at the Phoenix Walmart closely tracked that playbook.
Where it happened
The affected Supercenter is listed by Walmart at 7575 W Lower Buckeye Rd, right at the intersection with 75th Avenue. The store was later allowed to reopen to shoppers after police completed their search. Walmart’s listing includes the address and contact information for the location.
Investigation status
Per 12News, the Phoenix Police Department said the case remains under investigation and has not released any details about possible suspects or arrests. Officials have not provided additional information as the inquiry continues.
