Update, Sept. 5:
A Loganville man has been charged with making terroristic threats and criminal trespassing in connection with an alleged bomb threat at the North Lake Square shopping center off Dawsonville Highway Wednesday.
Christopher Kyle Moore, 34, made a threat related to explosives and a witness called 911, according to law enforcement officials. Gainesville Police and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office responded to the shopping center, home to Burlington and Academy Sports, at about noon on Wednesday.
Officers located Moore on the roof of the shopping center and found him with two backpacks, according to Gainesville Police. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s specialized explosives unit was called in to check the backpacks and the property.
Sgt. Kevin Holbrook said police were told by 911 that a man had approached one or more of the businesses.
“(He) stated his intentions were to — I don’t (know) the exact verbiage — but in layman’s terms, to blow it up,” Holbrook said.
The area was cleared of any threat, and the shopping center was evacuated while law enforcement investigated.
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish said in a statement Thursday that he was grateful no one was harmed.
“I want to thank our community and agencies that assisted us with this call for service. We never know what calls may bring us together, but this was a clear illustration of how much everyone cares about the safety of our community,” Parrish said. “We take all calls of this nature seriously with a goal that everyone goes home to their loved ones. I am beyond thankful of this outcome.”
Moore remained in the Hall County Jail as of Thursday afternoon, with bond set at $11,400.
No attorney information was listed for Moore Thursday with Magistrate Court officials.
Previous story:
Gainesville Police said at least one person was in custody after a bomb threat investigation at North Lake Square in Gainesville
Authorities responded Wednesday, Sept. 4, to the shopping center off of Dawsonville Highway to investigate whether a bomb threat was made.
Gainesville Police Department and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office responded around noon to the area near Burlington “after a third party’s call regarding a male that frequents the area,” Van said. The shopping center was evacuated.
At 2:15 p.m., police said they asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation explosive ordnance unit “to assist in scouring the area to identify any threats to public safety.”
“The GBI has given the (all-clear) that there is no threat in the area,” Gainesville Police Cpl. Jessica Van said after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
No information was provided on charges or the validity of the threat.
Hall County law enforcement dogs were used to clear the area.
Reporter Nick Watson contributed to this report.