Santa Maria police evacuate Walmart after gun threat reported in store

By Julia Nguyen

Published January 18, 2021 3:23 pm

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- Santa Maria police evacuated a Walmart store Monday afternoon following reports of a possible gun threat.

Around 2:30 p.m., police said they received an anonymous tip regarding a gun spotted at the Walmart on Bradley off of Betteravia in Santa Maria.

Officers responded to the scene and evacuated all shoppers as a precaution.

During their search, police said they did not find any evidence of the gun and store owners said they did not see a gun brandished in the store.

The scene was ultimately deemed safe and cleared after 20 minutes.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.