Mall Evacuated, Parks Closed: Inside Sierra Vista’s Unsettling String of Threats

What is going on in our town? A recent string of bomb threats has got us concerned here in Sierra Vista. We’re a quiet community. How is it that we’re suddenly dealing with ‘big city’ problems like this?

For now, local law enforcement hasn’t found any credible threats, but this recent string of incidents has disrupted our lives and raised concerns among residents. Authorities are still working to identify those responsible and prevent further scares.

Get our free mobile app

a close up of a police car with its lights on

Mall Threat Prompts Evacuation, No Danger Found

Sierra Vista Police Department (SVPD) responded to a series of bomb threats this week, including one targeting The Mall at Sierra Vista.

A June 22nd Press Release stated that, according to officials, an unknown caller reported that bombs had been placed near the movie theater and food court. The caller’s voice was described as altered and digitized.

Out of an abundance of caution, the mall was evacuated, and officers investigated the area. Fort Huachuca's explosives detection K9 units were brought in to sweep the building.

Val Davidson/TSM

Thankfully, no explosives were found, and the mall was deemed safe and reopened shortly thereafter.

But that wasn’t the end of the story. Later in the day, the SVPD responded to similar threats at Cool Cuts in the Safeway plaza and again the following day, at Food City.

While this is still an ongoing investigation, officials stated, “There is no credible threat to the public related to these phone calls.”

READ: How The 88 CRIME Tip Line Ensures Anonymity For Residents

Val Davidson/TSM

Parks And Facilities Cleared After Separate Threat

A separate press release stated that on June 24, a separate bomb threat led to the temporary closure of Sierra Vista parks and recreational facilities. At approximately 8:40 a.m., an employee at the Oscar Yrun Community Center reported receiving a call that referenced a threat at an unspecified park.

The City restricted access to all area parks, including the Cove Aquatic Center, as a precaution and again requested assistance from Fort Huachuca’s explosives-trained K9 teams. The teams performed a full sweep, and all locations were cleared and reopened. Authorities confirmed again that “…there is no apparent threat to the public at this time.”

READ ALSO: How 88Crime Is Boosting Public Safety In Southern Arizona

Val Davidson/TSM

A Larger Pattern: Is This a Possible “Swatting” Incident?

The recent hoax bomb threats in Sierra Vista appear to echo a broader nationwide pattern. This cluster of false bomb threat reports is often referred to as “swatting.”

Swatting, according to the FBI, is the act of making false emergency reports for incidents like bomb threats or active shooter calls, in order to provoke a large law enforcement response.

A police dog is held on a leash.

The incidents this week in Sierra Vista are similar to clusters that have occurred across Arizona and the United States. Authorities report that these incidents frequently happen in waves or copycat patterns, targeting multiple locations within short timeframes.

All are investigated, and they rarely pose any real danger; however, they create disruption, unnecessary fear, and waste significant public safety resources by diverting police and emergency personnel from genuine emergencies. These hoaxes are a growing concern for law enforcement nationwide.

Aggressive driving in Sierra Vista

Ongoing Investigation And Public Assistance

According to the press release, “the telephone number associated with the threatening calls was untraceable.” Authorities say the recent events in Sierra Vista appear similar to the “swatting” calls that occurred in the Tucson area.

The SVPD is continuing to investigate these incidents, which they believe may be connected. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sierra Vista Police Detective Jessica Ferrel at (520) 452-7500 or call 88-Crime.