Evanston

Evanston Police Issue ‘All-Clear' After ‘Anonymous Bomb Threat' Called In To Whole Foods

Evanston Police1

Some local roads were briefly blocked off and a heavy police presence was reported in downtown Evanston Monday after a bomb threat was called into a Whole Foods grocery store, Evanston officials said.

Approximately an hour after the threat was reported, police issued an "all-clear."

According to a tweet sent at 12:16 p.m. from the Evanston Police Department, a threat was called into a "local business" located at Church Street and Chicago Avenue in downtown Evanston.

Employees and patrons have been evacuated, officials said.

"Heavy police presence on scene as we work to investigate," the tweet continues. "Avoid the area. Updates to follow."

According to police, several roads were closed in the area as a result of the police activity.

Around 12:45 p.m. the Evanston Police Department tweeted that the area remains secure as officials continue to investigate.

"Heavy congestion reported on downtown roadways," the department said. "Plan an alternate route."

At 1:15 p.m., a police update said the initial call to police was regarding an "anonymous bomb threat" that had been phoned in to the Whole Foods grocery store located at 1640 Chicago Ave. in downtown Evanston.

"Cook County Bomb Squad has been assisting with a search of the location," police added.

Fifteen minutes later, Evanston police issued an "all-clear," and indicated that all road closures had been lifted.

"Detectives will continue to investigate this matter," officials said.

No further details were immediately available. This is a developing news story and will be updated.

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