BOMB THREAT EVACUATES BANK

By Jon Mayhew

LINCOLNTON -- Authorities were called to the People's Bank branch on East Main Street in Lincolnton, after a male calls in a bomb threat.

According to Lincolnton Police Lt. Randy Willis, the incident heppened around 9:45 a.m. Monday, a little over an hour after the bank opened.

"One of the employees answered the phone and the man said a bomb is going to go off at one of their branches," said Willis.

The branch was evacuated as a precaution. Police walked through the branch with employees but didn't find anything suspicious.

Lincoltnon Police, as well as Lincolnton Fire and central district deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, cleared the scene in Lincolnton around 10:30 a.m.

Authorities also checked the People's Bank branches in Vale and Denver. Nothing was found.

Corporate officials tell The Carolina Scoop they are going to look at phone records. Police say the suspect may be a black male with a low, raspy voice.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lincolnton Police at 704-736-8900 or Crimestoppers at 704-736-8909. Callers remain anonymous and may be paid up to $1,000 for a tip that leads to an arrest in any crime.