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The Brownwood Police Department issued the following press release Monday afternoon:

On Saturday October 28, 2023, at approximately 9 p.m. Communications Officers with Brownwood Police Department received a phone call from a man, reporting a threat at Walmart.  The caller stated that he placed explosive devices inside the store and that he was outside the store with firearms, observing law enforcement’s response.

When officers arrived on scene, they met with Walmart employees and began evacuating the store.  Once this was completed, a cursory search of the store was conducted by law enforcement officers.  The Brown County SWAT team was contacted, and a thorough search of the parking lot and perimeter of the building was completed prior to entering the store.  A detailed search was then conducted, and all appeared in order with no suspects or devices located.

At approximately 1:15 a.m., officers met with Walmart supervisors and released the scene to them.  It was decided after this point to have a late opening time to ensure the safety of all employees and the shopping community.

The Criminal Investigations Division of the Brownwood Police Department is continuing the investigation, and it remains an active case.  No further information is available on this matter.  

We appreciate the assistance we received from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Early Police Department, State Park Police, Brownwood Fire Department and AMR Ambulance Service.  This coordinated response by all first responders is a demonstration of our county-wide commitment to this community.