Bomb threat targeted Midlands factory, now an arrest has been made, SC sheriff says
A factory in the Midlands was named in a bomb threat Wednesday morning, according to the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office.
An employee at the MLILY USA mattress factory in Winnsboro received a call and the bomb threat was issued, the sheriff’s office said in a news release. The manufacturing facility is just off U.S. 321.
Deputies responded to the scene in 2 minutes and helped evacuate all employees from the facility, according to the release.
The sheriff’s office said the scene was secure and there was not a threat to the public.
No injuries were reported.
The property was checked for suspicious packages and any other threats, and deputies have cleared the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
There was no word if any explosive devices were found, or if the threat was considered to be a hoax.
An arrest was made, the sheriff’s office said at about 1 p.m. Information about who was arrested and any charges was not available.
Although the scene has been cleared, the sheriff’s office said it is continuing to investigate the incident.
“I’m proud of our deputies for the professionalism and diligence displayed during this investigation which resulted in a quick arrest of the suspect,” Sheriff Will Montgomery said in the release.
In addition to the sheriff’s office, the Fairfield County Fire Service, Fairfield County EMS, Fairfield County Transit, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted in the investigation and responded to the scene, Montgomery said.
When the 650,000 square-foot factory was opened in 2019, it was expected that 250 employees would be hired, The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County reported.
MLILY manufactures mattresses, pillows and more sleep related products, according to the company’s website.
“I want to thank the MLILY employees and their security team for their assistance and cooperation in this matter,” Montgomery said. “This is another great example of everyone working together to keep everyone safe.”
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
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This story was originally published October 25, 2023 at 11:15 AM with the headline "Bomb threat targeted Midlands factory, now an arrest has been made, SC sheriff says."
