Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 8-6-19

Local
Man Jailed For Threat To ‘Shoot Up’ Walmart
A 31-year-old Valrico man was ar- rested Sunday after he allegedly made a threat against a local department store. The incident took place at the Walmart in Gibsonton.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Walmart received the telephone call shortly after 1 p.m. An employee at the store answered a call in which a man on the line said he would be at the store in five minutes and was going to “shoot up your store.”
The management c0ntacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and deputies were on the scene within two minutes. Once on the premises, all of the employees and customers were evacuated out of the store.
Deputies searched the premises and determined that the threat was unfounded. “I couldn’t be prouder of our deputies and their response. They arrived within moments and gained control of the chaotic scene,” Sheriff
They were able to trace the call to Wayne Lee Padgett. After search- ing his residence, police did not locate any weapons.
Detectives arrested Padgett and charged him with making a false re- port of using a firearm in a violent manner. He was transported to the Hillsborough County Jail.
Sources said Padgett’s mother is a Walmart employee, but she was un- aware of the crime. Officials said
Padgett admitted to blocking his number, calling Walmart, and later deleting his call history. He is unem- ployed and does not have a criminal record.
“These criminals that seek to make us afraid to go shopping, to the movies, concerts, work and school are nothing but terrorists. This type of be- havior will not be tolerated. We will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law,” Sheriff Chronister said.
WAYNE LEE PADGETT
Chad Chronister said.
After the location was cleared, de-
tectives launched an investigation to determine where the call originated.
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