GULF SHORES, Ala. - Wednesday at 8:35 p.m., Gulf Shores Police were called to Wal-Mart (170 East Fort Morgan Road) for a bomb threat.

Officers arrived and confronted 55 year old Eric Paul Shackleford of Gurley, Ala.  Shackleford was threatening to blow up the store by blowing up his backpack, which was nearby. It was later determined the backpack only contained personal papers and clothing.

He told officers the backpack was filled with explosives. He was detained and removed from the area. 

After evacuating the store, police established a perimeter and requested Mobile Police Department’s Bomb Squad. Officers from MPD arrived and handled the matter. The perimeter was released at approximately 11:30 p.m.

At this time, Shackleford has been charged with Terrorist threats, a Class C felony and is currently in jail. The incident is still under investigation.