@mercedgwnews: BREAKING NEWS: Merced Police Investigate Explosive Threat at School Campus The Merced Police Department responded earlier today to a reported explosive threat involving a vehicle in a school parking lot, prompting a campus lockdown while officers investigated. According to police, officers secured the area where the initial threat was reported and conducted a perimeter search of the campus. Backpacks examined using X-ray equipment were also cleared during the investigation. Students were released in small groups as officers continued working to ensure the campus was safe. At the time of the department’s latest update, nearly all students had left the campus. A bomb-detection canine from Fresno was also en route to assist officers with an additional search of the campus before police conclude their response. The incident remains under active investigation, and authorities are urging the public to avoid the area while officers continue their work. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.