Employee Umbrella Mistaken for Rifle, First Bank in Hazelwood Evacuated

The First Bank Corporate Center in Hazelwood was evacuated and locked down Wednesday morning after a security officer saw what she thought was a rifle being carried into the building.

Better safe than sorry; however, it turned out not to be a rifle, Hazelwood Police Department Capt. Jim Hudanick said.

"It turned out to be an umbrella," he said. "It was a good thing to do. 

"It’s a good education moment."

Hudanick said the mistaken rifle afforded the police department and First Bank an opportunity to test lockdown procedures.

"They went through their evacuation process," he said. "We had a chance to go through securing a threat."

Police received a call at 8:40 a.m., from the corporate center's security believing there was an armed intruder inside the facility, located at 600 James S. McDonnell Blvd.

Hudanick said officers helped evacuate the building and found the person.

"He was found working at his station," he said.  

After no threat was determined employees were allowed back in to continue with the work day.