An alleged bomb threat led to the evacuation of the Winn-Dixie on Bienville Boulevard in Ocean Springs on Monday night, leaving employees and customers shaken.
Shoppers were forced to leave the store around 8:00 p.m. after a call was made to the store’s office. According to employees, the call was answered by store manager Melissa, who immediately began shouting for everyone to exit the building.
Police quickly arrived, surrounding the area with multiple units. Witnesses who posted in the Ocean Springs Talk of the Town Facebook group reported seeing a K-9 unit searching the parking lot and nearby buildings.
“I live just to the left of the shopping center behind the old Krispy Kreme, and I got nosy and just walked out and rubbernecked over there,” wrote Felix Gilmore. “There was a K-9 and handler walking around the parking lot to each vehicle and also around all the buildings, so I assumed bomb threat.”
Others described the tense moments as they were forced to evacuate. “We were told to evacuate immediately,” wrote Courtney Johnson. “Walked outside and a bunch of cops showed up and surrounded the building.”
“Was just inside and an employee came yelling for everyone to stop what you’re doing and leave the building immediately and not ask questions,” Preston Skinner posted. “A whole squad of cops came barreling into the parking lot with lights on.”
Joellen Jarrell, whose child was working at the store at the time, expressed her concern. “Bomb threat. My child is over there at work and was evacuated,” she wrote. “Hope y’all don’t have to get a call like that, regardless if it’s real or not.”
The situation sparked worry among other local residents as well. “This is scary,” commented Dyanne Kelly. “My daughters work at Walmart, and this would be terrifying. I hope everyone is okay.”
As of now, authorities have not released an official statement regarding the nature of the threat or whether anything was found.
This is a developing story.
