BREAKING: A shelter-in-place order issued at 12:50 a.m. today by the Vail Police Department was confirmed to be a hoax, sending shockwaves through the community. The false alarm lasted approximately 90 minutes, prompting urgent responses from local law enforcement.
Officials stated that the order was triggered by a non-credible bomb threat directed at the police department itself. Kris Widlak, the town’s director of communications, commented, “It turned out to be a non-credible bomb threat to the Vail PD.” This incident marks a troubling trend, as police chief Ryan Kenney highlighted during a town council meeting last October, noting an increase in similar hoaxes in recent years.
The impact of this hoax is significant. Local residents were left in fear and confusion as police worked to ensure safety in the area. In response to the rising number of threats, Vail has allocated funds in its 2026 budget for the addition of a bomb-sniffing dog to the police force. This strategic move aims to expedite safety protocols, as it can take officers four hours or more to clear large buildings. A trained dog can accomplish this in under an hour, enhancing the department’s effectiveness in crisis situations.
“We just continue to have incidents where having a dog that could quickly clear a large area rather than 10 to 15 officers spending hours going through that same area is crucial,” Kenney stated. The recent hoax underscores the need for better resources and preparedness in the face of increasing threats.
As the situation continues to unfold, Vail authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The department is actively investigating the source of the hoax and working to deter future incidents. Local leaders stress the importance of community cooperation in maintaining safety.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Vail navigates the aftermath of today’s scare.
