Bomb threats delay Columbiana court action

By D.A. Wilkinson

The sheriff said the threats cost the county tens of thousands of dollars in lost time.

LISBON — Columbiana County Sheriff David Smith said his detectives are examining evidence in two bomb threats that temporarily closed four county buildings Thursday.

The evidence includes tapes of two calls, and possibly a videotape of a call being made.

Smith said a 911 call was made about 8:45 a.m. Thursday to East Palestine police. A man said there was “a bomb in a county courthouse” and indicated it would go off at noon.

The call was made from a pay phone at Gorby’s Grocery Inc. in Negley. Smith said there is a video camera there that tapes callers.

Because the caller did not specify which court, the county courthouse on the village square, municipal court on Saltwell Road, and the juvenile court on West Lincoln Way were all evacuated. East Liverpool Municipal Court was also notified.

Another call by a man made about 11 a.m. to the county’s Department of Job Family Services said there was a bomb in that building. It was also evacuated. There was no caller ID for the second call.

The sheriff said the two callers made other comments. He declined to state the contents of the calls.

Smith said authorities believe the calls were made by one person.

“It’s very unusual to have two bomb calls,” he said.

County workers went to nearby restaurants or the county’s Emergency Management Agency. Many restaurants gave them coffee.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol and guards and employees from the federal prison in Elkton helped keep traffic and people from the downtown area.

Lisbon Fire Chief David Lewton said he had basic training in what to look for. His department along with the West Point Fire Department searched the buildings and grounds, but nothing was found. The Youngstown bomb squad was notified in case a live bomb was located.

Workers and the public were allowed back in the buildings at 1 p.m.

County Prosecutor Robert Herron stopped presenting cases to the grand jury. Remaining cases will be presented to the next session, he said.

Smith said the threats hampered and delayed work.

“This is a very serious thing,” Smith said.

wilkinson@vindy.com.