Public access to the Walla Walla Police Department is closed until further notice.
UPDATE at 2:15 p.m. on Sept. 30: The lobby of the Walla Walla Police Department has re-opened to the public following the clearance of a mysterious package containing a pipe with strange attachments.
However, the Richland Bomb Squad found no evidence of explosive/bomb-making material attached. Since they’ve cleared out, work has resumed as usual and the department is open through 4:00 p.m. for regular business hours.
This is a developing story. The following breaking news article has been left unaltered from its original publishing.
WALLA WALLA, Wash. — If you were planning on visiting the Walla Walla Police Department on Friday morning, you’ll have to adjust your plans. The entire department was shut down around 8:00 a.m. due to a mysterious package.
According to a notice from the Walla Walla Police Department PIO, the package was located at the front of the facility’s public lobby. They immediately contacted the Richland Police Department’s Bomb Squad for further assistance.
Since the notice was sent out, the lobby was shut down to the public and community members were advised to steer clear of the area. The Police Department is located at 54 E Moore St, just off Highway 12.
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Anyone in need of help from the police can call their lobby phone line directly at 509-527-4434. A staff member will be available to speak with you as the rest of the department continues its patrols, responds to the mysterious package and moves forward with their normal duties.
A public notice will be issued when the lobby is cleared for re-entry. At that time, the KAPP-KVEW News Staff will update this story to clarify that the threat has been cleared and normal operations are underway.
In their notice, the police leaders thanked the community for their patience and understanding during this matter.
This is a breaking news story. An update and/or follow-up will be issued when further details are revealed.
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