Five Points Bomb Threat suspect in custody

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Columbia Police say the suspect involved in the Five Points Rite Aid bomb threat is now in custody. Earlier, he was taken to the hospital after he was found unconscious behind the pharmacy counter. Officials identify the man as Gregg Hiers. Columbia Police Spokesperson Jennifer Timmons said earlier that apparently this is a homeless man that had previous run-ins with local officers. Timmons says the man was the only person in the building. Columbia Police and other security officials entered the Rite Aid on Harden Street in Five Points Saturday afternoon after a tense morning and have been trying to figure out if the alleged device found in the building is an explosive. Some businesses in the Five Points area were evacuated after a man claimed he has a bomb. There have been no reports of any injuries. The FBI, Columbia Fire Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department have been involved in this investigation along with the Columbia Police, bomb squad, SWAT, and negotiators. Stores near the Rite Aid have all been evacuated, and streets from Harden and Greene to College are closed. Patrons will not be able to get into Five Points as the police are conducting their search and investigation. Saturday was a busy day in Five Points for Columbia Police. Chief Photojournalist Rich Wandover reports that there was also an unrelated early morning robbery at the Five Points Cookout Restaurant Saturday morning. Timmons says the suspect in that case is still wanted and on the run, but no additional information is available at this time. We will have the latest for you here on ABCColumbia.com and on ABC Columbia News at 11.