On May 16, 2021, at approximately 2:34 pm, a bomb threat was called into Wal-Mart located at 976 Commonwealth Blvd., Martinsville, VA. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office Explosives Detection Canine, along with canines from the Virginia State Police, Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia Tech Police Department conducted a systematic search of the property. Nothing suspicious was located.
Through the course of the investigation, it was discovered Keegan Blaise Ashbrook and Ricky Lee Stout traveled to Wal-Mart together then entered the store. At approximately 2:25 pm, Wal-Mart staff detained Keegan Blaise Ashbrook for shoplifting. Moments after Ashbrook was detained, Wal-Mart received the bomb threat.
Evidence was recovered indicating the bomb threat was called in by Ricky Lee Stout. It appears the bomb threat may have been called into Wal-Mart as an attempt to aid Ashbrook with evading arrest.
Ricky Lee Stout, 36, of Glen Meadow Court, Rocky Mount, VA, was charged and arrested on May 18, 2021. Stout was charged with Threatening to Bomb a Building (felony). He is currently held in the Franklin County Jail on a $3500.00 secured bond.
Keegan Blaise Ashbrook, 18, of Frontage Rd., Roanoke, VA, was charged and arrested on May 16, 2021. Ashbrook was charged with Shoplifting and Possession of a Concealed Weapon (misdemeanors). He has been released on a $1500.00 secured bond.
The Henry County Department of Public Safety and local volunteer fire and rescue units were on scene as a precaution. The Henry County Sheriff’s Office and Wal-Mart officials worked together to ensure the safety of the customers and employees.
Anyone having information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or the Crimestoppers Program at 63-CRIME (632-7463). The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards of up to $2500.00 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
HENRY COUNTY, VA – One man was arrested in Henry County after a bomb threat was directed towards the Walmart on Commonwealth Boulevard.
At around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, deputies responded to the store and secured the area.
An investigation, interviews and evidence led to the arrest of a Caucasian male at the scene.
Sheriff Lane Perry tells BTW21 News that 19-year-old Keegan Blaise Ashbrook was arrested for misdemeanor shoplifting and conceal weapon.
Ashbrook is being held on $1,500.00 secure bond at the Henry County Jail.
The sheriff says they need to speak to a person of interest identified as 31-year-old James Quallas Carr III.
Carr's last known address was 185 Chestnut Park Drive in Rocky Mount.
“At this time, it’s unknown if the arrest for shoplifting and the bomb threat are tied together,” Perry said.
The incident is still under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 276-632-7463. The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2,500.00 for information related to crime. The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.
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