MONTACLM COUNTY, Mich.—Community First Federal Credit Union closed all branches early Wednesday and Tri-County High School was placed on lockdown following a series of threats, Big Rapids Pioneer reported.
The Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded around 12:11 p.m. to reports of a bomb threat targeting several Community First branches in Lakeview, Howard City, and Trufant. Officers also secured and cleared two additional branches in neighboring Mecosta County, located in Morley and Remus.
While no explosives were found, the credit union closed its entire network of branches and evacuated staff “out of an abundance of caution,” officials said.
“We are grateful to report that everyone is safe and accounted for,” Community First CEO Timothy G. Rasmussen said. “…The safety of our employees and community remains our highest priority,” Rasmussen said. “We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and provide updates as appropriate.”
While deputies were investigating the threat to Community First, the sheriff's office said a second bomb threat was reported at Tri County High School. The school was placed on lockdown during the investigation, though, as with the credit union, the threat to the school was deemed not credible and no explosive devices were found, Big Rapids Pioneer stated.
The two threats were determined to be a swatting hoax, local law enforcement stated.