Bluffton, August 27, 2025
News Summary
A bomb threat outside the CVS Pharmacy at a Bluffton shopping center prompted the evacuation of Target and other nearby stores. Law enforcement was called after the threat was reported around 3 p.m., and an extensive search was conducted to ensure public safety. By 7:15 p.m., officials confirmed no explosives were found, allowing the area to reopen. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation and encouraging the community to report any suspicious activity.
Bluffton, SC – A bomb threat led to the evacuation of several stores in a busy shopping area on Tuesday afternoon, as law enforcement investigated a reported explosive device outside the CVS Pharmacy located within the Target store on Fording Island Road.
Just after 3 p.m., the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a call about the alarming threat. In response, officials ordered the evacuation of Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the nearby CVS, ensuring the safety of patrons and employees in the area.
The area surrounding the shopping locations was closed off to the public while officers conducted a thorough investigation. A comprehensive sweep of both the Target and CVS store was performed to search for any suspicious packages or explosive devices.
By approximately 7:15 p.m., law enforcement deemed the area safe, and the shopping complex was reopened to the public after confirming that no explosive devices or suspicious packages were found. The investigation into the bomb threat will continue, with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them via the non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County through the P3 Tips app, online, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).
This incident prompted a visible law enforcement presence in the area, with involvement from multiple agencies including the Bluffton Township Fire District, Bluffton Police Department, and the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit. The robust response highlights the urgent nature of the threat and the commitment to public safety in Bluffton.
Such incidents can be alarming for community members, often invoking heightened concerns about public safety and security in commercial areas. This event serves as a reminder of the ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and community services to manage emergencies and ensure the safety of citizens.
As the investigation unfolds, community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity as part of maintaining a vigilant and alert public environment.
FAQ
What prompted the evacuation in Bluffton?
A bomb threat reported outside the CVS Pharmacy at Target led to the evacuation of nearby stores.
When did the incident occur?
The bomb threat was reported just after 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
What areas were evacuated?
Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and CVS were evacuated as a precaution, and the surrounding area was closed to the public.
What was the outcome of the investigation?
No explosive devices or suspicious packages were found during the investigation, and the area was deemed safe around 7:15 p.m.
How can individuals provide information about the incident?
Individuals can call the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | CVS Pharmacy inside Target, Fording Island Road, Bluffton, SC |
| Time of Incident | Reported at approximately 3:00 PM on Tuesday |
| Evacuated Locations | Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, CVS Pharmacy |
| Investigation Duration | Approximately 4 hours; declared safe around 7:15 PM |
| Agencies Involved | Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Bluffton Township Fire District, Bluffton Police Department, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort EOD Unit |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bluffton Declares Shopping Area Safe After Bomb Threat
Bluffton Shopping Area Declared Safe After Bomb Threat Investigation
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Possible Bomb Threat Investigation in Bluffton
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Investigate Suspicious Device
- ABC News 4: Possible Explosive Device at Bluffton Target
- WJCL: Bluffton Target Bomb Threat
- Island Packet: Bomb Threat Investigation
- Wikipedia: Bomb Threat
- Google Search: Bluffton SC bomb threat
- Google Scholar: Bomb Threats
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bomb Threat
- Google News: Bluffton SC 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.
