FROM THE JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:

This morning around 9:05 a.m., BPD received a 911 call from a male who threatened to blow up the courthouse. He then hung up the phone. They notified Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch. Deputies began the evacuation of the courthouse and searching for any suspicious devices.

There were hundreds of people in the courthouse due to jury duty, courts, etc. as well as regular county business. Deputies and BPD blocked off intersections near the courthouse and diverted traffic as well as assisted getting traffic out of the parking lots. Neches Credit Union, located near the courthouse was also notified of the evacuation. The Port of Beaumont was placed on lock-down. 

The Bomb Dog from Port Arthur FD was called to do a sweep of the courthouse. The JCSO Drone was used to search the roofs and the grounds. After a thorough search of the courthouse, it was deemed safe to return. No devices were located. 

Check back as more information becomes available.

Earlier reporting:

• Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office has issued an ‘all clear’ and will begin allowing employees back into the courthouse following this morning’s bomb threat.

• The Jefferson County Courthouse and surrounding area have been evacuated and deputies with the sheriff’s office along with a bomb detection K9 is sweeping the area.

In addition, a drone is being used to check the area from the sky, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy Crystal Holmes said.

“This is an active search to make sure there are no devices,” she said.

The bomb threat was called in to the Beaumont Police Department this morning.