DEWITT, NY -- Two cleaning crew workers at ShoppingTown mall received the same threatening text this morning, kicking off a search for an explosive in the shopping center, according to DeWitt Police.
The workers notified mall security who contacted police at 9:13 a.m. Thursday, DeWitt Police Chief John Anton said at a news conference outside the mall.
People in the building were evacuated and police blocked the entrances to the property.
Fewer than 25 people had to be evacuated, Anton said. Most of the few businesses still operating in the mall had not opened yet.
Police used dogs to sweep the mall for explosives, Anton said. No explosives were found.
The mall is expected to reopen around noon today, he said.
Police are working to identify the person who sent the text messages, Anton said.
DeWitt police have blocked all the entrances to ShoppingTown mall on Thursday, May 23, 2019.