A threat of gang violence tonight at Wal-Mart, 2300 Sycamore Road, appears to be a hoax.

DeKalb Police Sgt. John Petragallo said the department received notice from a Chicago suburban police unit after a female received a text message with the information about a potential incident. She contacted police right away.

“Some people in DeKalb, mostly NIU students and faculty, had also gotten the forwarded text message,” Petragallo said. “It appears to be a nationwide hoax, but we can’t confirm that yet.”

Petragallo says the city is working with Wal-Mart on the issue and sent extra patrol cars to the area as a precaution.

“We are asking people to not forward [the text message] to others,” he said. “There does not appear to be any credible evidence to show that this is a bona fide threat.”

A Google news search referencing “Wal-Mart” and “gang” brings up results from various other news sources across the country dispelling the rumor.

The Northern Star will update our Web site if any further information is uncovered.

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