Woodhaven police: Bomb threat at strip mall a hoax

At least two locations in Metro Detroit were evacuated Tuesday after receiving bomb threats that reportedly came from someone in Brazil demanding money.

University of Detroit Mercy officials say a source faxed a bomb threat to the Engineering & Science Building in the early afternoon. The fax was asking the university to “send money to an organization,” university spokesman Gary D. Lichtman said.

The building was searched and cleared and police allowed students and staff to return after one hour, Lichtman said.

Litchman said the University of Detroit Mercy was among more than 100 organizations across the nation that received faxed bomb threats from Brazil.

“Obviously, we take it extremely seriously no matter what,” he said.

Woodhaven police said there was also a bomb threat Tuesday against a strip mall on West Road near Allen Road.

Police Chief Vincent Price said the manager of the Daybreak Salon & Spa called the authorities after receiving a message about 8:40 a.m. that said the business would be blown up if it didn’t pay a source in Brazil $25,000.

The salon is in a strip mall on Allen Road at West Road in Woodhaven.

Police issued an alert, evacuated the area and asked others to stay clear of the area while they investigated.

Price said officers with the Michigan State Police K-9 Bomb Detection Team searched the area but didn’t find anything. He said police didn’t find any suspicious packages or items on the scene.

The chief also said the threat is considered to be a hoax.

Media reports say the Mt. Calvary United Children and Family Head Start program on Chalmers and the Mt. Zion Head Start on East McNichols were also evacuated Tuesday morning due to bomb threats.

“We are aware of recent bomb threats and we remain in touch with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance if needed," said Timothy P. Wiley, FBI media spokesman. "As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety.”

cramirez@detroitnews.com