LAKEPORT >> A bomb threat Monday forced the temporary evacuation of the Lake County Courthouse. Officers searched the building and the surrounding grounds, but found nothing suspicious.
The courthouse was reopened to staff and public after an hour.
“The County appreciates the fast multiple agency response in searching the Courthouse which allowed County staff to get back to work as quickly as possible,” Supervisor Rob Brown said.
Lakeport Police, Lakeport firefighters and the Lake County Public Services Department joined the Lake County Sheriff’s office in response to the threat.
At approximately 7:40 a.m. a caller to the Lake County jail claimed that an explosive device was set to detonate on the 4th floor of the Lake County Courthouse in downtown Lakeport. The person indicated the bomb would trigger at 8:30 a.m.
Central Dispatch was immediately notified and contacted the Sheriff’s Office, Lakeport Police Department and the other responders. Officers and staff of those agencies immediately responded and began a floor by floor search of the facility.
At the same time employees of the State of California Courts and employees of the County of Lake, who share the Courthouse facility, were given notice to leave the building immediately. As other employees arrived to start the work week, they were directed to stage on the lawn of the Courthouse Museum Park.
Nothing suspicious was found during the search of the Courthouse. Law enforcement gave the okay for employees to return to work at approximately 8:35 AM.
“I sincerely appreciated the support the Sheriff’s Office received from the Lakeport Police Department, Lakeport Fire Protection District and the Lake County Public Services Department in conducting a search of the courthouse building and surrounds grounds,” said Sheriff Brian Martin. “I also wanted to thank all of the County employees and residents for their cooperation in evacuating the building.
This matter is currently under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 707-263-2690.
