Base lockdown was a false alarm

A lockdown of Little Rock Air Force Base that lasted more than four hours Wednesday was caused by a "case of mistaken identity," base spokesman Lt. Mallory Thornton said in a news release.

Base personnel had been conducting a readiness exercise when someone reportedly tried to force his way into a building at the facility, according to Thornton.

That report was later found not to be credible, she said.

No one was allowed to enter or leave the base in Jackonsville between 11:45 a.m. and 4:10 p.m. while the report of a "suspicious individual" was investigated.

Base personnel were told to lock the doors and stay inside while the 6,100-acre facility was searched.

"We take all reports seriously and investigate them thoroughly," Col. Patrick Rhatigan said in the release. "I implemented the lockdown and our highly-trained Security Forces airmen responded to secure our airmen, their families and Air Force resources."

Thornton said the base does not release details on its response tactics for security reasons.

No damage or injuries were reported in the lockdown.

Metro on 07/25/2014

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