Bluffton, August 27, 2025
News Summary
An extensive investigation into a bomb threat at the CVS inside Target on Fording Island Road concluded safely on Tuesday evening. After receiving the threat, law enforcement evacuated the area and conducted a thorough investigation, ultimately declaring it safe by 7:15 p.m. Various agencies participated in the response, emphasizing the importance of community safety. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the source of the threat, urging the public to report any suspicious activity.
Bluffton Shopping Area Declared Safe After Bomb Threat Investigation
Bluffton, SC – An extensive investigation prompted by a bomb threat at the CVS Pharmacy inside Target on Fording Island Road concluded safely on Tuesday evening. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received the threat shortly after 3 p.m., reporting that an explosive device was allegedly placed inside the mailbox of the CVS Pharmacy.
As a precautionary measure, law enforcement officials ordered an evacuation of the immediate area, including Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the nearby CVS located at 1006 Fording Island Road. In response to the incident, the affected areas were closed to the public, and businesses were temporarily shuttered while a thorough investigation took place.
Various law enforcement agencies participated in the investigation, including the Bluffton Township Fire District, Bluffton Police Department, and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit. These agencies conducted a comprehensive area sweep, searching for any suspicious packages or explosive devices. By approximately 7:15 p.m., officials announced that the area was safe and subsequently reopened to the public.
While the immediate threat was resolved without incident, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office continues to conduct an active investigation into the source of the bomb threat. Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The public can reach out to the non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777 to provide information.
Furthermore, individuals who wish to remain anonymous may submit tips regarding the incident or any suspicious activity through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online portal, or by calling 844-847-7238.
Background Context
Bomb threats, including false alarms, pose significant challenges to law enforcement agencies, often requiring extensive resources and time to investigate. In Bluffton, community safety remains a top priority, and incidents like these are taken seriously. The prompt response from local law enforcement and emergency services exemplifies the preparedness of agencies in ensuring public safety during critical situations.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Bomb Threat Investigation |
| Location | CVS Pharmacy inside Target, Bluffton, SC |
| Initial Report Time | 3:00 PM |
| Evacuation | Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and nearby CVS |
| Investigation Duration | Approximately 4 hours |
| Area Reopening Time | 7:15 PM |
| Active Investigation | Yes, by Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office |
| Public Reporting | Non-emergency dispatch: 843-524-2777 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WTOC
- Live 5 News
- ABC News 4
- WJCL
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Bomb Threat
- Google Search: Bluffton Bomb Threat
- Google Scholar: Bomb Threats
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bomb Threat
- Google News: Bluffton Bomb Threat
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
