Man in custody after allegedly making shooting threats to Walmart in Madison Heights

Odyssey Fields
·2 min read

UPDATE 4:54 P.M. AMHERST COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)—The Amherst County Sheriff’s Office says a man is in custody after making an alleged threat towards the Walmart in Madison Heights on Friday, May 3.

According to Sheriff Ayers, at 12:05 p.m., alleged shooting threats were posted on Facebook towards the Walmart and its employees. In response, the sheriff’s office and Lynchburg Police Department quickly shut down and evacuated the entire store to ensure everyone’s safety.

According to Amherst County Public Schools, the district was notified about the shooting threat against Walmart. In response, Monelison Middle School, Amherst Education Center, and Amelon Elementary School were placed on a secure status as a precaution.

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The secure status was later lifted and students were dismissed at the school’s regular times, but bus routes were altered to avoid the incident at Walmart.

Sheriff Ayers reports deputies took Skyler Thomas from Lynchburg into custody in connection to the threat. He has been charged with a Class 5 Felony for Threat in Writing With Terroristic Intent.

Thomas is currently being held at the Lynchburg Adult Detention Center without bond.

The Walmart has been reopened and officers from LPD will be on-site to ensure that shoppers feel safe while inside the store.

This remains an active investigation. WFXR News will update this story as further information is released.

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UPDATED: AMHERST COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Several first responders are on the scene of an active investigation at the Walmart in Madison Heights.

Details are limited; however, the Monelison Volunteer Fire Department is encouraging the community to avoid the area.

Currently, the Walmart has been evacuated and is temporarily closed.

Deputies with the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office are on the scene.

As a result, Amelon Elementary, Monelison Middle, and Amherst Education Center have been placed in secure mode.

“There is no threat to the schools; however, due to their proximity to the business, we are exercising caution,” said Amherst County Public Schools in an alert.

In an update on the school district’s Facebook page, ACPS says Amelon Elementary will follow normal dismissal procedures, but there will be an increased law enforcement presence on campus as an added procedure.

This is a developing story. WFXR News is working to learn more and will update you as details are made available.

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