ESCANABA — A report of a person with a gun at the Escanaba Walmart was a mistake, according to Escanaba Public Safety officers.

At 9:37 p.m. Tuesday, officers were called to Walmart after a report of someone entering the store armed with a rifle. Officers searched the store while employees and civilians evacuated, and the building was locked down.

“A diligent search of the business was conducted and it was found that there were no concerning safety issues. After reviewing the security surveillance system, it was determined that store merchandise was mistakenly identified as a rifle as a subject was entering the store,” the department stated in a press release.

Escanaba Department of Public Safety was assisted on scene by the Delta County Central Dispatch, Delta County Sheriffs Department, Michigan State Police – Gladstone Post, Michigan State Police – Hometown Security Team, Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team, Hannahville Police Department and Menominee County Sheriffs Department.