Bomb threat empties Asotin Co. courthouse

Employees and first responders wait outside the Asotin County Courthouse Monday morning.

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Story Published: Sep 8, 2008 at 9:57 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 12:54 AM PST

By Stephanie Smith

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ASOTIN - A bomb scare disrupted the morning docket Monday at the Asotin County Courthouse.

Police did not release specifics, but a phone call threatening there was a bomb in the building came into the prosecutor's office on around 8:30 a.m.

"The courthouse was evacuated," said Asotin County Sheriff's Captain Dan Hally. "The Asotin County Sheriff's Office, Asotin County Fire, Asotin City Fire and Asotin City Police Department all responded. Washington State's bomb unit was notified. They were not requested, but they were notified of the situation and put on standby for us. The building was searched and cleared by the agencies involved and it was determined essentially to be an unfounded threat."

Hally said officials take all calls of this nature seriously. Deputies and police taped off streets surrounding the courthouse and those evacuated were kept a safe distance away. They were allowed back in about an hour after the threat was received.

"We do take these threats very seriously," said Hally. “We are conducting a full investigation into the incident and the individual that made that call, once we do apprehend that suspect, they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

Hally said he could not release details of the call or if police know who made it.

"I really can’t get into any specifics of the investigation," said Hally. "The positive that came out of the whole situation is that the employees did as they have been instructed to do. It's part of the benefits of having a plan in place and we will continue to review those plans, particularly now that we've had an incident. It was utilized, we will look at the plan for weaknesses and strengths and continue to adjust as necessary so that we can ensure the safety of the public and employees."

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