Suspects Sought in Banks County Bomb Threat

In Banks County, authorities are searching for the person who left what appeared to be a bomb in a Starbuck’s parking lot.

It happened Thursday morning, according to Banks County Sheriff spokesperson Carissa McFaddin, at the Starbucks in Banks Crossing at the 149 I-85 Exit.

“The manager was advised by a customer about an object in the parking lot area,” McFaddin said. “When the manager saw it, she called 911. When deputies arrived, they found what appeared to be a suspicious package that looked like it may contain an explosive device.” 

McFaddin said the package contained materials that would lead one to believe there was a bomb inside.  Deputies evacuated the Starbucks and surrounding businesses and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called to the scene.

“When they arrived, they inspected it and declared it was not an explosive,” McFaddin said. “However, they did a secondary sweep of the area and no other devices were found and the businesses were allowed to re-open. “

That happened about 1:45 Thursday, but the investigation did not end there.  McFaddin said the package was taken into evidence and investigators are now looking for the person responsible.

 “We are looking into it. We do have surveillance video, not only from Starbuck’s but from surrounding businesses to see if we can find the person who did this,” she said.

Anyone who may have any information about who left the fake explosive device is asked to contact the Banks County Sheriff’s office at 706-677-2248 or your local 911.   You do not have to leave your name.