Pilot threatens to crash small plane into Walmart in Mississippi

The pilot of a small plane is threatening to intentionally crash into a Walmart in Tupelo, the U.S. state of Mississippi, police said on Saturday morning, reported Xinhua.

The Tupelo Police Department (TPD) was notified that a pilot of an airplane -- possibly a King Air type -- was flying over the city at around 5 a.m. local time (1000 GMT).

"The pilot has made contact with E911 and is threatening to intentionally crash into Wal-Mart on West Main," a press release read.

"TPD has worked with Wal-Mart West and Dodges on West Main to evacuate the stores and disperse people as much as practical," the release said. "TPD also has been able to begin talking with the pilot directly."

All emergency services in the area are on alert while residents are asked to avoid that area until an all-clear is given.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves tweeted on Saturday morning that "state law enforcement and emergency managers are closely tracking this dangerous situation," urging all citizens to be on alert.