McCook police release more information regarding Jan. 8 incident

McCOOK, Neb. — The following information is being released as an update to threats made against McCook businesses on Jan. 8, 2022:

On Jan. 8, 2022, at 5:28 p.m., the McCook Police Department received a call from the McCook Walmart Store reporting an individual calling the store claiming to be at the store armed with a rifle, making bomb threats, and threatening a Walmart employee. Officers from the McCook Police Department, Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office, and Nebraska State Patrol responded to the store. Upon arrival, officers worked to secure the store as the subject was in contact with police by telephone where the subject continued to make threats of violence against employees, customers, and police officers.

At the same time, police were speaking with this caller, another party was posting threats on a Facebook account also claiming to be in the store armed and preparing to detonate explosive devices that had been placed inside the store.

Officers eventually were able to clear the store and evacuate the remaining customers and employees who had taken shelter in the store.

At 11:31 p.m., the McCook Police Department received a call from the McDonalds Restaurant in McCook stating the restaurant had also received a call from an individual making threats to this business threatening to detonate an explosive device inside the store.

Through investigation, officers and detectives from the McCook Police Department were able to identify two subjects believed to be responsible for these threats and both are now in custody.

On Jan. 11, 2022, an arrest warrant was obtained and Joshua Pittman, age 31, of McCook was arrested and charged with felony terroristic threats relating to his role in this incident. Pittman is being held in the Red Willow County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

On Jan. 17, 2022, Border Patrol agents took into custody a 27-year-old Weslaco’s, Texas, man near the Mexico border based upon information gathered by McCook Police relating to the threats against McCook businesses.

The McCook Police Department appreciates the public's patience as they worked with local, Texas, and federal authorities to identify and locate this subject. The name of this suspect is currently not being released