UPDATE: Terroristic threats made against Blairsville Walmart
News, Police & Government February 7, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – A Murphy, N.C. man called into Walmart corporate on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020 and threatened the customers shopping at the store.
According to Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO), the call came into the Bentonville, Ark. office at 8 a.m. CST, which would be 10 a.m. EST. Corporate then called Union County 911 dispatch immediately before even calling the Blairsville store. Law enforcement responded and swept the store to identify any potential threat. They found none. After clearing the scene, UCSO began to work on who made the call.
By 10:45 a.m. EST, UCSO had identified Robert Theodore Lee, 59, as the alleged caller/potential shooter. Lee was extradited from Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Feb. 7 and charged with one felony count of terroristic threats and acts, O.C.G.A. 16-11-37 (b). Bond hasn’t been set for Lee at this time.
O.C.G.A. 16-11-37 (b) states that a person commits the offense of a terroristic threat when he or she threatens to: Commit any crime of violence; Release any hazardous substance; or Burn or damage property.
Sources have also reported that employees had no idea about the potential shooter until management called a meeting for “any available associates.” Those who couldn’t go had to hear from other employees or ask law enforcement in the building. This could be part of Walmart policy, and Fetch Your News (FYN) has contacted Walmart corporate to answer this question.
Additionally, off-duty deputies are stationed in the Blairsville Walmart for the next 72 hours at the store’s request. FYN will ask Walmart if this is part of their policy to determine as well.
In September 2019, the same Walmart experienced a credible bomb threat that included evacuation.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Please remember all are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
3 Comments
I work at that walmart. I was off this particular day. I can’t IMAGINE the devastation that COULD have happened if he DID NOT contact corporate. He could of walked right in and started shooting!! At least calling led the investigation to start and he WAS CAUGHT.
Robert has mental issues where what he thinks comes out of his mouth. He is all talk and no bite. He owns no weapons or guns. He was disrespected by an employee there and nothing was done. He spoke out of frustration. With his mental issues well documented he needs mental health care, not punishment. He is a kind soul who takes care of the people around him.
I am an associate at another store. We are trained to handle many aspects of a situation such as this. However, I am thankful that Corporate called in authorities quickly and that they are continuing to monitor. Praying that nothing else comes of this.