By Eric Francis, Standard Correspondent
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A vague bomb threat forced the evacuation of both the courthouse in downtown White River Junction and a nearby state office building on Friday morning.
Both buildings were searched and “cleared” by police officers from several agencies as well as state employees over the noon hour but the disruption was enough that the decision was made to close the courthouse for the remainder of the day.
Employees at the new four-story state office building which sits right on the edge of the Connecticut River on Prospect Street received word to evacuate at 10:40 a.m. and they remained out in the parking lots nearby until they were finally allowed back in shortly before 1 p.m.
Hartford Police officers conducted the Prospect Street search and several also responded to the courthouse where an Amtrak Police detective who happened to be nearby and several state police troopers also joined in the sweep of the building.