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walmart2Two Walmart stores in Long Beach were evacuated Thursday after employees reported receiving letters mentioning threats of a explosive device planted inside the businesses.

Police responded to the Walmart on the 3700 block of South Street at 8:45AM after employees reported they “received a suspicious letter regarding an explosive device that had been placed in the store,” according to Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) spokesman Sgt. Brad Johnson.

The business self-evacuated.

Officers searched the exterior of the building and conducted a sweep of the building with the help of a K-9 unit, Johnson said. That store was subsequently cleared and will be returning to business as usual shortly, Johnson said.

The Walmart inside the Long Beach Towne Center, located in the 7200 block of Carson Street, reported receiving the same type of letter at 11:35AM, according to Johnson.

That store also self-evacuated.

It was eventually declared clear after police found no explosive inside. 

The investigation remains ongoing. 

Note: this story was updated at 3:35PM with information on the second store being cleared. 

Above, left: Google screenshot of Walmart inside the Long Beach Towne Center.

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.