Bomb threat causes evacuation of motel

QCS Senior Writer

A bomb threat at the Blue Swallow Motel forced the evacuation of the hotel on Friday and the clearing of several blocks surrounding the area by state, county and local law enforcement.

“We are asking that the public please stay out of the blocked off area for their own safety,” said Quay County Sheriff Russell Shafer.

Shafer said at 3:52 pm., dispatchers received a report of a bomb threat at the motel. He said the motel has been evacuated and a bomb-detecting dog from Cannon Air Force Base was dispatched to clear the building.

Shafer said law enforcement and the Tucumcari Volunteer Fire Department have blocked off an area from South College Street, East to South Park Street and from East Laughlin Avenue, South to East Rankin Avenue.

Shafer said officials are waiting for the K-9 unit to arrive to begin clearing the area.

The bomb threat also resulted in the disruption of the fourth annual Rockabilly on the Route events.

"For the safety of the residents of Tucumcari, the Rockabilly visitors and law enforcement the Cruise 66 event has been canceled," said Ungie Davila, Rockabilly on the Route co-founder.

Davila said there may be an impromptu Cruise 66 event held Saturday, but at this time the event appears to have been canceled.