BREAKING: Bomb threat emailed to War Memorial Hospital

SAULT STE. MARIE — At 1:29 p.m. on Thursday, War Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie received an emailed bomb threat.

A hospital representative immediately called 911 and City police officers were dispatched. With the assistance of the surrounding law enforcement agencies a perimeter was established stopping all traffic headed toward the hospital. The Michigan State Police bomb squad began their response.

Shortly after the perimeter was set up, Detective Darrell Harp learned that the hospital I.T. Director confirmed that the threat was a ransomware originating out of Russia. It was learned that there have been several of these types of threats at hospitals throughout Michigan in the past couple of days.

At this time the threat is not deemed as credible; however, all precautions are being taken. Security was maintained while the hospital staff initiated their threats protocol. While officers were posted at the entrances to the building, the streets surrounding the hospital were opened around 2:50p.m.

At this time the scene is still active.