Less than 24 hours after a bomb threat was called in to the Hermitage Walmart, police had to search the store a second time for another bomb threat.

Shoppers had to evacuate Friday night around 9 p.m. at the store located on North Hermitage Road and again at about noon Saturday. 

Employees received both threats through what appeared to be a male caller on the store's general operator line, saying they were planning to blow up the store. 

In Saturday's incident, the unknown caller said the bomb would go off at 1 p.m.

Both times, the store was closed for about two hours. 

However, police said they searched Walmart with the help of the fire department, store management and the sheriff department's explosive-sniffing dog, but nothing was found in either incident. 

A Walmart spokesperson released the following statement to 21 News. 

"What happened in our store yesterday and today is troubling.  We take this seriously and cooperated with police as they evacuated the store before confirming that the bomb threats were a hoax. We’re open again for business and apologize for any inconvenience this caused our customers.  We continue to work with law enforcement as they look for those responsible."

 

Saturday's incident caused an estimated 300 customers and 100 employees to be evacuated. 

A person making a bomb threat could be charged with felony offenses including terroristic threats, causing or risking catastrophe and criminal mischief. 

Police believe the two incidents are likely connected. 

HPD detectives are conducting further investigation.  Anyone with information is requested to call Mercer County 911 Dispatch at 724-662-6110.