Everyone Safe, No Shooter At Chico's Headquarters: Sheriff

FORT MYERS, FL — Everyone is safe at the Chico's headquarters campus in Fort Myers and no shooter was found at the women's clothing chain's offices, said the Lee County Sheriff. No injuries were reported; employees told family and friends they were locked in rooms awaiting an all-clear from police.

A security guard received an anonymous call about the threat of an active shooter near the corporate headquarters, the company said in a statement. Local law enforcement agencies were notified, and as precaution called for by security policies, all employees were notified of the situation and all facilities were locked down.

"The security and safety of our employees is of paramount importance to Chico's FAS," the business said.

One worker told a Patch editor that she was locked in a closet at the office complex. While employees heard the possible threat could be a hoax, they waited for SWAT teams and police officers to go through every room to check for threats.

The Fort Myers News-Press reports that Chico's employees received an alert on their phones: "We received an un-confirmed report of an active shooter in the area. LCSO is on campus at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, LCSO will be sweeping the campus and buildings."

Sheriff Carmine Marceno said at a news conference that everyone inside the complex is safe, including children in the company's daycare center.

A security guard at the Chico's campus reported the possible threat, the sheriff said, and officers are looking into what spurred the report.

Chico's is working with local authorities to provide all information to ensure the corporate facilities are secure, investigate the threat and monitor the situation, the retailer said.

Patch will update this breaking news story.