Algood Police Investigating Threat Origins

Algood Police investigating the source of a bomb threat called into Walmart Sunday night.

Deputy Chief Bryant Swallows said they are working with state and federal organizations to determine the caller’s identity. Swallows said threats such as these demand precious time and resources from local law enforcement agencies that could needed elsewhere.

“So the penalties can range up to, you know, terroristic threats,” Swallows said. “There’s a TCA for that. And, you know, it could be as high as a felony and that kind of thing. So it’s a pretty serious crime.”

Swallows said the Walmart was deemed to be safe and clear early Monday morning. Extra police patrols will continue monitoring the area for now. He said the constant evolution of technology can make it challenging to figure out where calls like this come from.

“In your gut, you kind of know it’s not real, but if you don’t treat it like it’s real then there’s consequences for that, too,” Swallows said.

Swallows said anyone who has any information about the incident should reach out to the department and share what they know.

“It can be a huge inconvenience for local law enforcement, local resources, and businesses,” Swallows said. “And, of course, that’s why people do them, you know. So it’s a tug and pull on resources and, you know, the what-if game for law enforcement.”

Swallows said they worked with Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department when investigating the initial threat in the building Sunday night.

“We’re fortunate in the Upper Cumberland that, you know, all law enforcement, we communicate with each other and it’s a team effort,” Swallows said. “So that’s a good thing.”