Du Quoin Man arrested in Walmart Bomb Threat--Howard Swanson, Jr., 57 of Du Quoin
On Sunday January 31, 2016 at 5:41 p.m. the DuQuoin Police Department received a 911 call from a subject stating there was a bomb at the DuQuoin WalMart store, located at 215 Grant Way.
The DuQuoin Police Department, along with the DuQuoin Fire Department, Perry County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois State Police evacuated WalMart immediately and set a safety perimeter, awaiting the Secretary of State Police Explosives Investigators. Investigators arrived and made a thorough sweep of the business, which concluded all clear at 8:33pm.
The initial investigation unfolded very quickly, resulting in the subject reporting the bomb threat, William Howard Swanson Jr., 57 of DuQuion being arrested for Disorderly Conduct.
Manager Jamey Fowlkes said the man was not a current or former employee of the store, nor did he have any apparent issues with a recent shopping experience.
Police believe Mr. Swanson made the 911 call and reported the threat for personal reasons.
Swanson was arrested and transported to the Perry County Jail, where he remains today.
Chief Ellermeyer related that the investigation is continuing and believes more charges could be forthcoming.
Shoppers were evacuated and employees were relocated to a nearby McDonald's restaurant, They were asked to leave their cars parked on the parking lot and walk to Mc Donald's. Officers blocked the entrance to Walmart's parking lot.
At about 7:10 p.m. Fowlkes arrived at McDonald's. He had been in West Frankfort. Fowlkes bought ice cream for everyone.
Shoppers were turned back by police. Illinois Secretary of State Police Bomb Squad arrived at 7:45 p.m. from its base at Williamson County Airport in Marion. Officers and two canines checked trash cans and the front of the store, as well as vehicles parked near the building. They entered the building at around 7:55 p.m.
Officers and dogs left the building around 8:45 p.m.
Employees were then allowed to return to their work.