Bomb Threat Targets Walmart In Lake County

Emergency crews respond to reported explosive device behind Gurnee store

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A bomb threat was reported to authorities on Monday morning targeting a Walmart store in Gurnee, Illinois. Police and fire crews responded to the scene and worked with a bomb detection dog team to investigate the threat.

Why it matters

Bomb threats can cause significant disruption and fear in local communities, requiring a swift public safety response. This incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness to address potential threats to businesses and public spaces.

The details

According to police, a dispatcher received a call around 11:30 a.m. in which the caller said an explosive had been placed in a dumpster behind the Walmart Supercenter on the 6500 block of Grand Avenue in Gurnee. Law enforcement identified the location and responded along with the Gurnee Fire Department and the Great Lakes Naval Station Bomb Detection Dog Team to investigate the threat.

  • The bomb threat call was received around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Gurnee Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the bomb threat call and coordinated the investigation.

Gurnee Fire Department

The local fire department that assisted police in responding to and investigating the reported explosive device.

Great Lakes Naval Station Bomb Detection Dog Team

A specialized team from the nearby naval station that brought bomb detection dogs to aid in the investigation of the threat.

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The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of effective emergency response protocols and coordination between law enforcement, fire departments, and specialized teams to address potential public safety threats in a timely and thorough manner.