SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Numerous businesses across the U.S., including several locations around San Diego County, received bomb threats Thursday.
San Diego police told 10News at least 12 locations received the threats, but it was not immediately clear if all were businesses. Sheriff’s officials said at least 14 businesses in cities such as San Marcos, Vista, Ramona and Lakeside got the emails.
Countywide, at least 50 threats were reported.
Local law enforcement officials said they were notified of the threats between 10:30 a.m. and noon. UCSD sent a note to employees notifying them that the school received one of the emails. Staff was told that, if they received one of the emails, not to delete it and to contact police at the university.
10News learned the emails threatened a bomb or explosive device detonation if an undisclosed amount in bitcoin payment or $20,000 in cash was not received.
Sheriff’s officials told 10News deputies were going to the threatened locations to make sure the situation was clear.
Locations included:
- Commerce Center: 2611 Commerce Way, Vista
- M&M Escrow: 960 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos
- DEI Holdings: 1 Viper Way, Vista
- Neo Tech: 237 Via Vera Cruz, San Marcos
- Padre Dam: 9300 Fanita Pkwy., Santee
- Home business at 12190 Rockstream Rd., Lakeside
- Truck dismantler business at 12650 State Route 67, Lakeside
- Sparky's Transmission: 565 Westlake St., Encinitas
- Fix Auto Collision: 13175 Gregg St., Poway
- Unknown business at 2163 Newcastle Ave., Encinitas
- Superior Plant Sales: 2581 Pioneer Ave., Vista
- Players Sports Grill: 13437 Community Rd., Poway
- San Diego Computer Help: 1001 W. San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos
- Unknown business at 24989 Sunshine Valley Rd., Ramona
San Diego police did not release any further details.
The threats appear to be tied to a series of threats made to businesses around the country.
Authorities in major cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Chicago and New York are investigating similar threats to businesses in their areas.
