A Walmart in New York was evacuated and police were called after managers at the store thought they saw a gun-toting cowboy on Sunday night.
Officers who responded to the call at the Seneca Falls store reviewed security footage and eventually were able to interview the “cowboy.” Police then determined there was not a threat to public safety as the “cowboy’s” gun was a fake.
The Town of Seneca Falls Police Department said in a news release that the individual in question had attended a local event earlier in the day that inspired their “Old West” attire. Police say that “the incident highlights the heightened vigilance and commitment to public safety by both the Seneca Falls Police Department and the establishment.”
While the gun was fake, police would like to remind everyone to “exercise caution” and “consider the potential action” of similar actions “even in the context of themed attire.”
The Walmart location returned to “normalcy” after officers determined “the situation was not as dire as initially perceived,” according to the police’s news release. Walmart staff expressed gratitude to the officers for quickly resolving the situation, police add.
“We are relieved to confirm that the situation was not as dire as initially perceived,” the Senecal Falls Police Department said. “Our officers worked in tandem with store management to quickly assess the situation and ensure the safety of all patrons and employees.”
