ELLIS COUNTY— The Hays Police Department responded to a bomb threat Wednesday afternoon that authorities have since determined to be a fraudulent "swatting" call, according to a mdeia release from the Hays Police Department.
At approximately 4 p.m., the Hays Police Department received a call on its non-emergency administration line. The caller claimed to be walking toward the police department building, 105 W. 12th St., with an explosive device.
The call was immediately transferred to the Ellis County Communications Center for further assessment. During the subsequent questioning and investigation, dispatchers and officers determined the threat was likely a fraudulent "swatting" incident, a false report intended to trigger a massive law enforcement response.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Hays Public Library was evacuated. Law enforcement officers secured and maintained a presence in the immediate area. All children present at the library were safely evacuated and have been reunited with their families.
Officers thoroughly checked the area and encountered no suspects. Following the all-clear, normal operations resumed at both the Hays Public Library and the Hays Police Department at approximately 4:45 p.m.
The department does not believe there is a danger to the public.
The Hays Police Department is continuing to investigate the origin of the fraudulent call.
The investigation into the incident has not revealed any evidence of any further threat to the community.