Bomb Scare in Branson

We had a little bit of excitement in Branson today. Bomb Scare!!! Here is an article that was written about it.

Second bomb found at Branson Landing after two suspects arrested

By Kathryn Wall

Two bombs were discovered at the Branson Landing early this morning at two separate locations.

Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms out of Warrensburg will be arriving soon to remove a vehicle from a parking garage north of the Hilton Promenade Hotel on the Branson Landing, said Jerry Adams, public information director for the city of Branson .

Officers found a suspicious device inside the vehicle during the investigation of the two people thought to have placed the first bomb near the fountains at Branson Landing.

A 35-year-old male from Florida and a 34-year-old female from Missouri were arrested early today in connection with the first bomb left inside a backpack near the ATM in the center of the Landing, Adams said. They have not yet been formally charged.

Adams said the female suspect told police they had parked their car in the garage near the Hilton, where they had been staying - she did not mention a bomb. When officers found the car, they spotted a suspicious device inside and called ATF.

The first bomb was discovered around 12:30 a.m. at the ATM near the fountains in the center of the Landing. The Springfield Fire Department’s bomb squad was called to the area to dispose of the bomb.

Springfield Fire Marshal Kevin Binam said the bomb was similar in design to a pipe bomb and looked to be made by someone who had made bombs before.

The bomb squad used a robotic arm to remove the bomb from the area, and disarmed it in a nearby parking lot just south of Bass Pro.

Binam said the bomb would have caused significant damage to nearby structure or people, but not enough to bring down a building.

Adams said Branson police were alerted to the first bomb when the male suspect tried to break in to the ATM and was discovered by security. He ran off, leaving the backpack behind. When the security officer looked in the bag, he found a suspicious device and called police.

Personnel from the Hilton hotel later provided the security guard with hotel security footage, with which the guard was able to identify the male suspect, Adams said.

Adams confirmed that people staying in the hotel were moved for their protection.

The streets in the area - Branson Landing Boulevard, Main Street and Commercial Street - have been blocked off for the time being, he said.