SEABROOK – At approximately 4:00 p.m. on March 18, Seabrook Police Department officers found and arrested a person of interest for allegedly making false reports of explosives at Walmart earlier in the day, resulting in the closure of that store and others nearby .
The suspect was on the property of the Best Western, located at 20 Spur Road, and was taken into custody without incident. She is identified as Meghan Leavitt, age 38, from Alfred, ME, according to a department press release.
Leavitt was charged with false reports of explosives (misdemeanor); false reports to law enforcement (misdemeanor); false public alarm (crime); criminal threat (crime); possession of controlled drugs (misdemeanor).
Leavitt’s arrest stems from an incident that began at about 11 a.m., when Seabrook police responded to Walmart, located at 700 Lafayette Road, for a report of a possible explosive device in the store. When officers responded, a second call was made directly to the police saying there was a man in Walmart with a firearm.
Upon arrival, the responding officers took steps to ensure the safety of the public and began an investigation into the threats.
Officers quickly determined that no one in the store posed a threat with a firearm. Walmart and adjacent stores were evacuated. The NH State Police Bomb Squad was called in to search the building for explosives. Nothing was found. Police determined there was no threat to the public and the shops reopened around 1pm. At this time, Seabrook Police have determined that both threats were hoaxes. Seabrook police do not believe today’s threats are related to a series of similar calls made across New England in recent months.
Deputy Chief Kevin Gelineau stated: “The rapid response of our patrol officers to secure the crime scene and launch an investigation has resulted in a stakeholder we believe is responsible for today’s events and charges will be filed. We also want to thank our law enforcement partners, the New Hampshire State Police, the Kensington Police Department and the Hampton Falls Police Department, who stood by us today. With their help and the great work of our own officers, we were able to safely investigate the threats and reopen businesses in the area.”
Leavitt is being held at the Rockingham County House of Corrections in Brentwood awaiting arraignment in Rockingham County Superior Court on Monday, March 20 at 11 a.m.
The investigation continues and more charges may follow.