Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Courthouse Bailiff Tommie Means talks with those evacuated to the library parking lot across the street from the courthouse.
CLOVIS — The Curry County courthouse was evacuated Monday morning after a bomb threat was called in.
No explosives were found and the courthouse was re-opened after lunch.
The New Mexico Public Defender’s Office in Clovis received the threat via telephone around 10 a.m., according to a Curry County Sheriff’s Department news release.
County Finance Director Carol Pipes said everyone was safely evacuated after the threat was announced.
District Judge Matthew Chandler said there were no major cases scheduled Monday, only routine docket calls.
Chandler said the building was secured by law enforcement and Cannon Air Force Base, which used dogs to sweep for explosives.
Court Executive Officer Kevin Spears said the south entrance of the courthouse was used for an entrance and exit for the public on Monday afternoon, and that procedure will continue until further notice.
“All visitors will be subject to screening and a search of all bags to ensure the safety to the public and courthouse employees,” he said.
District Attorney Andrea Reeb said calling in a bomb threat is a fourth-degree felony, punishable with 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.
No arrests had been reported Monday evening.
