Bomb threat investigation at bank determined to be hoax

Officers used drones and an explosive ordnance detection K9 to safely clear the scene after a bank employee reported receiving threatening messages. Gresham Police responded to a bomb threat at approximately 9:00 am in the 100 block of NE 181 Avenue after an employee of a bank reported receiving messages claiming a bomb had been placed in their vehicle.

Officers secured the area and used a drone to visually check for devices. An explosive ordnance detection dog from the Port of Portland Police Department assigned to the Trimet's Transit Police Unit, K9 Jacky, and her handler, responded to the scene. After checking the parking lot and inside the bank, the scene was rendered safe. The investigation at the scene took about 90 minutes.

Preliminary information indicates the messages originated from a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) service. Officer Jarom Sweazey said, "The victim of the threat did the right thing by reporting it to police immediately."

The investigation into the origin of the hoax threat is ongoing.

Photo: Officers deploy a drone to check for suspicious devices.

Photo: K9 Jacky and her handler from the Port of Portland Police Department check a car in the parking lot for explosives.