St. Clairsville, Ohio – An 18-year-old allegedly made multiple bomb threats targeting eight businesses, triggering evacuations and a large law enforcement response.
According to the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, the threats were phoned in on March 24 to locations in and around the Ohio Valley Plaza, beginning with Walmart and followed by Kroger, Sheetz, Texas Roadhouse, Denny’s, Whiteside’s, Unified Bank, and Red Roof Inn.
Authorities said the caller allegedly demanded money and warned explosives would be detonated if demands were not met. Deputies responded by evacuating affected businesses and securing the area while investigating the credibility of the threats.
Larry Harvey, 18, of St. Clairsville, was later indicted by a grand jury and arraigned earlier this week. According to Prosecutor Kevin Flanagan, Harvey entered pleas of not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. A court-appointed psychological evaluation is expected before a trial date is set.
Investigators allege Harvey admitted to making the calls “for fun” and monitoring law enforcement activity using a police scanner.
Harvey faces five counts of making terroristic threats, first-degree felonies, and five counts of inducing panic, third-degree felonies. He remains held at the Belmont County Jail.
Sheriff James Zusack said the incident required significant resources and disrupted public safety operations. Deputies treated each call as a credible threat before determining the situation was likely a hoax.
The evacuations caused temporary closures and concern across the busy retail area, impacting shoppers, employees, and nearby traffic.
The case highlights the legal and financial consequences tied to false emergency threats, particularly in high-traffic commercial zones.
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