NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Officials in Newport News have arrested a man who placed bomb threats against the Walmart Supercenter near the James River Bridge on Saturday, a spokesperson for Newport News Police Department (NNPD) confirmed.
The threat was reported shortly after noon on Saturday, prompting a response from law enforcement and fire officials to the big box store located on Jefferson Avenue.
Police say around 12:10 p.m. the 911 Center received a series of phone calls from an unknown male claiming that he placed a bomb inside the Walmart on Jefferson Avenue.
Customers and employees were both evacuated as authorities searched the store. No devices were found and authorities allowed staff and customers back into the Walmart.
The Newport News Fire Marshal's Office conducted an investigation in partnership with the Newport News Police Department and identified Antonio Hardee as the suspect.
He was arrested at the 100 block of 35th Street at 2:15 p.m. and is charged with two felony counts of threats to bomb and one count of resisting arrest.