Aug. 10, 2006 – While much of the Western world was watching events unfold in Great Britain where officials were in the midst of foiling a terrorist plot to blow up 10 airplanes headed for the United States, someone called in a threat to the local 911 emergency number to saying an airplane was going to attack the Hovensa oil refinery on St. Croix.
The call, made at 10:53 a.m. Thursdsay, prompted the V.I. Police Department to join federal and local government agencies in securing the refinery against possible threats, according to a release from the Police Department's public information office.
Territorial Police Chief Novelle E. Francis Jr. said the police department is on high alert in response to the nation's increased threat level.
He said, "The Police Department must fully investigate every incident that is believed to endanger human life or property."
He also said anyone found to be making hoaxes or false bomb threats will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
An all-clear at the refinery was issued by the FBI at 12:31 p.m., according to Shawna Richards, Police public relations officer.
Reporting a false bomb threat is a crime punishable by a minimum $5,000 fine and imprisonment of not less than five years.
Anyone witnessing suspicious behavior or activity is asked to notify police by calling 911.
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