Just after 3 p.m. today, August 26, 2025, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a report of an explosive device outside the CVS Pharmacy located inside Target, 1050 Fording Island Road, Bluffton.
As a precaution, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the nearby CVS at 1006 Fording Island Road were evacuated, and the area was closed to the public during the investigation.
Following an extensive investigation and sweep of the area, including Target and the nearby CVS, no suspicious packages or explosive devices were located. At approximately 7:15 p.m., the area was deemed safe and reopened to the public. The investigation into this incident remains active.
Responding resources from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office included deputies and investigators with our Enforcement Division and Civil Process Unit, the Drone Unit, and the Explosive Ordinance Unit. Assisting agencies included the Bluffton Township Fire District, Bluffton Police Department, and the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit.
The Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to our partner agencies for their swift response in ensuring the safety of the community, and to the public for their cooperation in avoiding the area during the investigation.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who has information regarding this incident to report it, as well as any other suspicious or criminal activity, by calling our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at tipsbft.com, or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).
