The Concordia Police Department responded to a reported bomb threat at Old World Spice (OWS), located at 101 Northeast Davis Road on Tuesday, October 31. Swift and coordinated action was taken in response to this incident.

According to Chief Paul Mapes, the initial report indicated that an anonymous caller had contacted Old World Spice and threatened the presence of a bomb within the facility. In response to this alarming call, OWS employees, along with the assistance of Concordia Officers, took immediate action to evacuate the premises.

Multiple law enforcement agencies and specialized units came together in a joint effort to address this threat. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, Higginsville Police Department, Kansas City Police Department Bomb & Arson Unit, Bothwell Hospital Security Bomb Unit, and Concordia Fire Protection District promptly responded to support the Concordia Police Department.

Highly trained bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed to thoroughly sweep the exterior and interior of the building in question. No explosive device was found during this exhaustive search, and the safety of the public was not compromised.

Authorities are treating this incident as a terroristic threat, and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway.

The department encourages anyone with information that may assist in identifying and apprehending the person responsible for this incident to contact the Concordia Police Department at 660-463-2140. You can remain anonymous.

Further updates on this ongoing investigation will be provided as they become available.