KPD e-News Release: Kingsport Police Investigating Bomb Threat to MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort and Convention Center

	Kingsport Police Department 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 ThomasMPatton • 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX) http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com
NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT:		Kingsport Police Investigating Bomb Threat to MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort and Convention Center
DATE:		May 27, 2017
CASE #:		17-012577

GENERAL NARRATIVE
On May 27, 2017 at approximately 6:00 AM, the Kingsport Police Department was called to the MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort and Convention Center, located at 1901 Meadowview Parkway in Kingsport, in reference to a bomb threat. The bomb threat was received via a fax machine at the resort. The fax transmission included a narrative claiming that explosives had been installed in the building. The threat evolved into an attempted extortion, with the suspect demanding several thousand dollars in exchange for not detonating the explosives. The threatening fax originated from outside of the United States and demanded that the ransom money be delivered via an electronic funds transfer. Based upon the ensuing investigation, there was absolutely no evidence uncovered to give this threat any credibility whatsoever. However, all threats must be taken seriously, so out of an abundance of caution, several area law enforcement explosives detection K-9 teams were called to the scene to thoroughly check the MeadowView properties. Ultimately no explosives were detected. The Kingsport Police Department would like to thank the generosity of our neighboring law enforcement agencies, specifically the Johnson City Police Department, the Bristol TN Police Department, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, who responded K-9 teams to assist under preexisting mutual aid agreements. Marriott released the following statement: “Earlier today we received a bomb threat via fax. We immediately contacted the authorities. The police are managing the situation, and we are following their guidance. The safety and security of our guests and associates remains one of our highest priorities.” As this remains an open and active criminal investigation by the Kingsport Police Department, no additional details will be released at this time.