Maine woman charged with hoax bomb, gunman threats against Seabrook Walmart

Angeljean Chiaramida
·2 min read
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SEABROOK — A Maine woman is facing several charges for allegedly making hoax threats that led to the evacuation of Walmart Saturday morning.

Seabrook police said they responded to Walmart at about 11 a.m. after receiving a report there was an explosive device in the store. While enroute to the store in the shopping center at 700 Lafayette Road, officers received a second call that went into the police station, saying there was a man with a firearm in Walmart.

Seabrook police responded to Walmart on Route 1 Saturday after receiving a report of an explosive device in the store. The threat, along with a call reporting a gunman, were determined to be hoaxes.
Seabrook police responded to Walmart on Route 1 Saturday after receiving a report of an explosive device in the store. The threat, along with a call reporting a gunman, were determined to be hoaxes.

Police quickly determined there was no one in the store with a firearm. Walmart and adjoining stores were evacuated, however, as police searched for the reported explosive.

According to police, the New Hampshire State Police Bomb Squad was called in to sweep the building for explosives. Finding none, police determined there was no threat and the stores were reopened at approximately 1 p.m.

Seabrook Deputy Chief Kevin Gelineau said police identified a suspect in the case early on.

At 4 p.m., police announced that Meghan Leavitt, 38, of Alfred, Maine, was taken into custody without incident at the Best Western Hotel in Seabrook.

Leavitt is being charged with false reports as to explosives, false reports to law enforcement, false public alarm, criminal threatening, and possession of a controlled drug. She is currently being held at the Rockingham County House of Corrections in Brentwood pending arraignment on Monday at Rockingham Superior Court.

Gelineau thanked other agencies who partnered with Seabrook police to assist with the situation, including the New Hampshire State Police, and the Kensington and Hampton Falls police departments.

“With their help and the terrific work of our own officers, we were able to safely investigate the threats and reopen area businesses,” Gelineau said.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Seabrook police Det. Zachary Bunszell at ZBunszell@seabrookpd.com or Lt. Timothy Mone at 603-474-5200. Anyone wishing to provide information on illegal activities can report the information to the Seabrook Police Department at 603-474-5200 or through the Crimeline for the Hamptons via phone at 603-929-1222.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Maine woman charged with hoax threats against Seabrook Walmart