Bluffton shopping area declared safe following report of explosive device, Sheriff’s Office confirms

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC. (WTOC) - Just after 3 p.m. Tuesday, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a report of an explosive device outside the CVS Pharmacy located inside Target in Bluffton, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

As a precaution, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the nearby CVS at 1006 Fording Island Road were evacuated, and the area was closed to the public during the investigation.

Following an extensive investigation and sweep of the area, no suspicious packages or explosive devices were located.

At 7:15 p.m., the area was deemed safe and reopened to the public.

The investigation into this incident remains active.

Agencies who assisted with this incident include the Bluffton Township Fire District, Bluffton Police Department, and the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office says anyone who has information regarding this incident to report it, as well as any other suspicious or criminal activity, by calling our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.

To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at tipsbft.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).

[UPDATE 5:19 p.m. 8/26/2025] The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is also sweeping an additional CVS Pharmacy location in the area in response to a possible bomb threat.

The Target on Fording Island Road in Bluffton has been evacuated, and Dick’s Sporting Goods nearby was also voluntarily evacuated.

Nothing has been found at this time.

[ORIGINAL STORY] The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said they are currently investigating a threat of a possible explosive device in the area.

Law enforcement says this threat comes from outside of the CVS Pharmacy located inside Target on Fording Island Road in Bluffton.

They said there will be an increased law enforcement presence in the area, as deputies respond out of caution.

The sheriff’s office is asking the public to avoid the area until further notice.