FAYETTE COUNTY, Ohio — A bomb scare in Fayette County has led to mass evacuations.
According to the Jefferson Township Fire Department, a bomb threat was called into the Starbucks along Old Route 35 near the Outlet Mall.
Officials say nearby businesses have been evacuated at this time, and a 1/2 mile perimeter is being established.
Traffic in the area has not been affected at this time.
Stay with the Guardian for the latest updates!
UPDATE: Shortly after 3 p.m., the Columbus Bomb Squad was dispatched to the scene. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office also asks that residents avoid the area of Route 435 in the vicinity of Starbucks and Chipotle.
NEW DETAILS: According to Sheriff Vernon Stanforth, Starbucks received a threat earlier today. “Upon arrival, the fire department located a suspicious package in a mailbox. The Franklin County Bomb Squad was called to assist. There are unaccounted-for packages located outside the building, and confirmation on contents needs to be made. As a precaution, the immediate area businesses have been evacuated. The evacuation does not affect the destination mall, ” said the Sheriff.
FINAL UPDATE: At 5:40 p.m. the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office reported that all affected businesses have reopened and the scene is clear. No explosive devices were found.
