One in custody after lockdown due to bomb threat

BATESVILLE, Ark. (KAIT) - A person of interest was in custody Wednesday evening in connection with a bomb threat at a Batesville hospital, police said.

The person’s name was not released.

However, Batesville Police Chief Alan Cockrill said while the case is still under investigation, they were able to find the person by tracking a cell phone.

The bomb threat caused the White River Medical Center to be locked down around 8 p.m. Wednesday. The lockdown has since been lifted, Cockrill said.

Cockrill said no one was being allowed into the hospital during the lockdown unless it was an absolute emergency and that authorities were not allowing ambulance transfers and are diverting ambulances.

Crews searched all public areas on each floor and requested two bomb dogs from central Arkansas to help with the search. As of 10:50 p.m. Wednesday, the bomb dogs from North Little Rock were able to clear the building.

Cockrill said the investigation is ongoing.

Hospital officials also released a statement late Wednesday about the situation.

Region 8 News will have more details as they become available.

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