For immediate release: January 17, 2024
Bomb Threat in Cornerstone Neighborhood
LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) is investigating a bomb threat at Mission House Coffee, located at 105 Cornerstone Street.
At 4:21 p.m. this afternoon, LPD officers were dispatched to the area of Cornerstone to investigate the threat. During the response, witnesses called 911 and reported that a man had entered Mission House Coffee, dropped a package on the floor of the shop, and told customers it was a bomb. Officers located the subject within minutes at a restaurant nearby and took him into custody without incident.
The LPD sought assistance from Virginia State Police and Liberty University Police who assisted with investigating the package inside the coffee shop. Out of an abundance of caution, roads were closed to restrict traffic and people in the immediate area. Adjacent businesses were asked to evacuate while the investigation was ongoing. During the investigation, officers learned that the suspect also made similar threats to Hill City Pharmacy and Liberty University.
The male suspect was identified as Laurence James Murphy IV, 36, of Lynchburg, and has been charged with Threat to Bomb (three counts) and Attempted Robbery. Lawrence is being held without bond at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail.
Additional information will only be provided as an update to this news release.
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