crime

Canyons Village Restaurant Evacuated Following Bomb Threat Incident

A bomb threat at Canyons Village prompted an evacuation of diners and a police investigation, with no explosives found.

Featured image for article: Canyons Village Restaurant Evacuated Following Bomb Threat Incident
In a startling incident that unfolded on Thursday afternoon, patrons of a restaurant in Canyons Village were evacuated after the Summit County Sheriff’s Office received a bomb threat report. The alarming situation arose when an employee of the restaurant reported that a caller, who initially contacted the establishment to make a reservation, subsequently issued a threat against the staff. This prompted immediate action from local law enforcement, leading to an evacuation of the restaurant and a shelter-in-place order for nearby businesses. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the threat was taken seriously as deputies quickly responded to the scene. Eyewitness accounts from diners indicated a swift and organized evacuation. “I was having lunch with friends when the staff suddenly asked everyone to leave immediately,” one diner recounted. “It was a little chaotic, but they handled it well.” Upon their arrival, deputies ensured that everyone was evacuated safely and proceeded to implement a shelter-in-place order for adjacent businesses to manage the situation effectively. The Park City Fire District was also called to the scene to assist in the search for any potential explosives. Deputies, with the help of a specially trained K-9 unit, conducted a thorough investigation of the restaurant and its surrounding area. “We take any threat of this nature very seriously,” stated Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Lieutenant Jason T. Wiggins. “Our priority is always to ensure the safety of the public.” The shelter-in-place order lasted approximately an hour and a half, during which time law enforcement searched for any signs of a bomb or suspicious objects. Fortunately, no explosive devices were found in the restaurant, and the investigation did not lead to any arrests as of Monday afternoon. As the situation developed, diners were allowed to return to the restaurant, and normal operations resumed shortly after the all-clear was given. The investigation remains ongoing, with the Sheriff’s Office working diligently to trace the origin of the call that triggered the bomb threat. Authorities have not disclosed any potential leads or suspects in the case. Community members have expressed their concerns regarding the incident, highlighting the need for vigilance and safety in public spaces. “It’s alarming to think something like this could happen in our community,” expressed a local resident. “I hope they find the person responsible.” In addition to the bomb threat incident, the Sheriff’s Office reported handling a series of other calls throughout the week. Many of these incidents involved suspected driving under the influence. On Saturday, deputies stopped a vehicle on State Route 224 for a traffic violation. As they approached the car, they detected the smell of alcohol emanating from the passenger compartment. The driver admitted to consuming alcohol before driving and subsequently performed poorly on field sobriety tests, resulting in an arrest and transportation to the Summit County Jail. Additionally, another vehicle was stopped for multiple traffic violations near U.S. 40, where deputies also noted the scent of alcohol and signs of intoxication. The driver was arrested and, like the previous incident, their vehicle was impounded. In a separate incident, a driver was arrested for possession of an illegal substance, which tested positive for amphetamines, further showcasing the ongoing issue of impaired driving in the area. The week also included a minor traffic incident where deputies assisted a driver whose car had slid off Old Highway 40. Although no impairment was detected, the presence of an open alcoholic beverage in the vehicle resulted in a citation for the driver. In light of these events, the Sheriff’s Office emphasizes the importance of public safety and encourages residents and visitors to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. The bomb threat incident underscores the unpredictable nature of such threats and the vital response required to ensure community safety. As investigations continue, both law enforcement and the community remain on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing inquiry into the bomb threat and the individuals behind it.