UPDATED: Apple Valley Menards Evacuated Following Bomb Threat
Latest Update: Bomb Threat Case in Apple Valley: Mark Frank Charged with Felony Threats of Violence
Updated 6:40 AM on December 13, 2024.
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - A bomb threat at the Menards store in Apple Valley, located at 6055 150th Street West, prompted a swift response from law enforcement and led to the evacuation of the store and its surrounding parking lot. The incident began around 4:12 PM on Thursday, December 12, 2024, when police received reports that an individual in the store was reporting there was a bomb in the store and the parking lot. This individual was allegedly a possible shoplifter.
Law enforcement officers arrived on the scene shortly after the threat was reported, and they worked quickly to find the male suspect in the store, detain him, and evacuate the building as a precautionary measure. At approximately 4:48 PM, police expanded the evacuation zone to include the entire parking lot and informed the public that the store would remain closed for the remainder of the evening. Mutual aid was called in from neighboring departments for bomb dogs to search the store and property for any possible devices, but no devices were found. The Apple Valley Fire Department, MnHealth, Dakota County Sheriff’s Department, Inver Grove Heights Police Department, and Farmington Police all responded to aid in this incident.
Around 6:40 PM, we spoke with law enforcement at the scene, and they confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody. Following a thorough search of the store and its premises, law enforcement determined no credible threat, and the area was declared safe, with no ongoing danger to the public. The store will remain closed the rest of Thursday night while law enforcement finished their investigation.
Authorities have not released details about the individual in custody or their motive, citing the ongoing investigation. We do know that the suspect is facing a Felony charge for Terroristic Threats - Explosives/Incendiary Devices. He is expected to be in court today around 2 PM for his first appearance in Hastings, Minnesota. We expect more information from law enforcement and will provide an update once that is made available to us.
Written by: Will Wight