BRIDGEWATER, VA (Rocktown Now) — UPDATE 4:45 PM: The Bridgewater Police Department has concluded its initial investigation into the report of a person with a possible “homemade bomb” outside Marshalls, located at 701 N. Main Street in the Town of Bridgewater.

Chief Steven Cason reports that following a thorough investigation and precautionary response, no explosive device or other hazardous materials were located. The area has been determined to be safe, and the scene has been cleared.

The Bridgewater Police Department thanks the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center, as well as local law enforcement and fire rescue partners, for their assistance and support during this incident.

The Department also appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation while officers investigated the report.

ORIGINAL STORY 2:40 PM: The Bridgewater Police Department is investigating a potential bomb threat after the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call from an unidentified female reporting that she had seen someone with a “homemade bomb” outside Marshalls, located at 701 N. Main Street in the Town of Bridgewater today, October 2, at approximately 11:47 AM.

Chief Steven Cason reports that Bridgewater Police Department officers arrived on scene within minutes and immediately began investigating the report. As a precaution, officers worked with Marshalls security personnel to evacuate the facility.

K-9 officers from the Elkton Police Department and the Virginia State Police were requested to assist with a search of the premises. Those searches remain ongoing.

The Bridgewater Police Department is asking members of the public to avoid the area around Marshalls as much as possible while the investigation and searches are underway.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.