Police examine Eldersburg Wal-Mart shooting threats

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Police examine Eldersburg Wal-Mart shooting threats

by Charles Schelle | Staff Writer

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State, local and federal authorities are investigating a letter that threatens a shooting at the Eldersburg Wal-Mart, according to a Maryland State Police press release.

The letter is one of six letters making similar threats sent to Wal-marts in Westminster and Hampstead, Targets in Westminster and Germantown and Boscov’s in Westminster.

The Eldersburg Wal-Mart, 1320 Liberty Road, Sykesville, received the letter March 31, according to the release.

‘‘Since the letters have been mailed, troopers have increased patrols around businesses that have received the letters,” said Sgt. Arthur Betts, state police spokesman.

Police said each letter contains similar threats and appears to be written by the same person or persons, the release states.

The letters offered no motive and did not specify a date or time of attack, Betts said.

Investigators will not release any more details about the letters at this time, he said.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is assisting police in each investigation, the release states.

Anyone with information should contact the Westminster Police Department at 410-848-4646, the Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or the state police at 410-386-3000. People may also call the confidential ‘‘Tips Line” at 410-857-TIPS.

The investigation continues.