MANITOWOC, WI (WHBL/WOMT) - Some tense moments on Wednesday evening in downtown Manitowoc as the Sheriff’s Department and Jail went into lock down.
“At about 6:40 p.m. a bomb threat was called in to our joint dispatch center,” says Manitowoc Police Captain Larry Zimney. “The male caller’s voice stated that there were bombs in the building, referring to the sheriff’s department, and then also stated that there was also a vehicle loaded with explosives out in the parking lot.”
Zimney added the caller gave a specific reason for the bomb threat. “The caller made reference that they were going to get justice for Steven Avery.”
Law enforcement immediately cordoned off the area of the Sheriff’s Office, the County jail and the Courthouse while the Brown County Bomb Squad was put on alert. Officers and Deputies did a complete sweep of the area, and after about 2-hours the all clear was given and no explosives were found.
Then about 9:20pm, another call was received in the joint dispatch center from a similar sounding male voice with the same threatening message. Again, no explosives were found.
“Our department, the sheriff’s office, takes these threats very seriously,” says Zimney, “and our investigators are currently working to find the origin of the call and identify the call.”
This incident is one of many threats made to Manitowoc County officials and law enforcement following the Netflix release of “Making a Murderer”, a docu-series that details the life of Steven Avery as he was exonerated for a 1985 sexual assault, but was sentenced for the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. The series has prompted people nationwide to question if Avery and Brendan Dassey were wrongly convicted for the Halbach murder.
Zimney says the threats have people in the Manitowoc area concerned. “Obviously the citizens don’t know the extent of the threats made towards employees of both (law enforcement) agencies and to staff of the courthouse, but there have seen some significant threats made towards staff in general and aimed towards specific people. That should be concerning to anybody.”
While no explosives were found on Wednesday night, Captain Zimney and Manitowoc authorities are calling for vigilance. “We ask for their help, if they see something suspicious to give us a call. The more eyes we have out there the better. I don’t think there is a reason for all out panic or alarm, but vigilance - that’s what we’re asking for is some vigilance by our citizens to help resolve this issue.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Manitowoc County Crime Stoppers at 683-4466. Remember, callers can remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.
