Explosive device threat draws bomb squad to Sterling Walmart

STERLING — Part of Sterling’s Walmart store was closed for 3 1/2 hours Monday afternoon as a bomb squad and local officers investigated a report of a possible incendiary or explosive device in a vehicle behind the store.

Sterling police received information about the possible explosive device around 1:20 p.m., according to a news release issued by the Sterling Police Department.

The release said the information led Sterling police to a vehicle parked in the Walmart parking lot, 4115 E. Lincolnway, near the rear of the business.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned the registered owner of the vehicle, and person named in the information received, had made threats regarding such a device and had a previous arrest in California for similar threats, according to the release.

A portion of Walmart was closed off and evacuated and Sterling police contacted the Quad City Illinois-Iowa Bomb Squad, Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms for assistance.

Searches carried out by bomb-detecting canines and bomb squad personnel found no incendiary, explosive or dangerous devices in the vehicle, according to the release.

After determining there was no danger to the store or general public, officers cleared the area and Walmart management was advised the closed portion could be re-opened. The store reopened around 5 p.m.

The investigation will continue, and further updates will be provided if and when they are learned or charges are filed, Sterling Deputy Chief Pat Bartel said in the release.