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Officials search for person accused of making 75 bomb threats in Burke Co.

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Law enforcement across two counties in the foothills is trying to identify the person who they say made more than 75 bomb threats.

A viewer sent Channel 9 a video after public safety officers responded over the weekend to Walmart in Morganton. He described the chaotic moments as shoppers were told to leave: "Let's get out of the store. Please evacuate the store. Don't be alarmed. Get out of the store."

Investigators said the threats focused on businesses near Morganton and in the Hickory area.

Making a bomb threat is a felony that could lead to prison time.

Some of the businesses said the calls only lasted a few seconds. One worker said the only words she heard on the other end of the line was "it's going to blow."

In Morganton, public safety officers responded to motels, fast food chains and convenience stores.

"They need to stop and grow up," employee Crystal Harrison said. "Because things like that are actually happening and people aren't going to believe it if it really happens."

Public safety officers said they were called to as many as four bomb threats at one time. By Sunday night, the numbers climbed to 40 across Morganton.

Conover Police Chief Eric Loftin said the Walmart in town was targeted. He said one of the dangers is resources are being used during the threat that may be needed elsewhere.

"It ties up a lot of valuable resources for all public safety personnel because you have to have fire, law enforcement and EMS respond," he said.

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