Grenada law enforcement officers responded to a bomb threat Wednesday morning at the Grenada Medical Complex, prompting a full evacuation and multi-agency investigation.
According to Grenada Police Department Chief George Douglas, the Grenada County Emergency Operations Center received a call at approximately 10:17 a.m. on Dec. 17, reporting that an unidentified person had phoned in a bomb threat to the medical complex located at 1300 Sunset Dr. Officers arrived within minutes, established a perimeter and evacuated staff and patients to ensure their safety while the scene was evaluated.
GPD officers quickly coordinated efforts with the Grenada County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Grenada Fire Department and Civil Defense Director Chris Whitehurst. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Mississippi Department of Homeland Security were also notified and provided the department with assistance.
Several bomb-detection K-9 units from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Tupelo Airport Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were contacted requesting assistance. GPD’s K-9 officer – Weller and his handler, Cpl. Jay Bennett – were also present on the scene.
Authorities immediately interviewed an individual believed to be connected to the threatening call. While no arrests were immediately announced, officials confirmed “the possible suspect” was being questioned as part of an ongoing investigation.
Once the K-9 teams arrived, law enforcement officers conducted a sweep of the entire facility. After a thorough search, the building was deemed clear of any explosive devices and employees were allowed to return.
“The Grenada Police Department would like to thank the staff and management team of the complex for their cooperation as well University of Mississippi Medical Center police, which were on scene,” Chief Douglas concluded.
As of press time, the incident remained under active investigation.
