COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Courthouse in downtown Coldwater, Michigan, abruptly closed for the remainder of the day following a bomb threat called into the neighboring library.
The caller, who made the threat at approximately 9:30 a.m., claimed an explosive device had been placed inside the courthouse complex.
Out of an abundance of caution, Deputy County Administrator Jessica Miller announced the evacuation and shutdown of the complex to guarantee staff safety and building integrity.
The sudden closure disrupted the immediate downtown area, prompting adjacent local businesses and the Branch District Library and the Coldwater Chamber of Commerce to adjust their regular operations or close entirely.
A thorough sweep of the courthouse, annex, and surrounding grounds yielded no suspicious items, prompting officials to confirm there is no active threat.
The search was led by the Branch County Sheriff’s Department and assisted by Michigan State Police Sgt. Jim King, who deployed a specialized explosives detection K9 to clear the area.
Miller later announced that as of 12:30 p.m. the building had been given the all clear and the scheduled County Commissioners meeting would take place as scheduled at 4:30 p.m..
Miller added both the courthouse and the annex building will remain closed for public services today.
Blankenship said they are actively pursuing leads to identify the suspect responsible for the hoax.
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