Columbia police responded shortly before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a possible bomb threat at Vapor Wize, 970 Columbia Center.

Initial reports are that photos of a bomb were sent in an electronic group chat with some sort of warning that a bomb would be “set off” Wednesday at the business.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Department deputies also responded to the business to assist Columbia police. A special bomb-sniffing K-9 unit responded to assess the area and all was determined to be safe, police said. The Columbia Fire Department also staged in the area.

Vapor Wize as well as neighboring businesses, including Great Clips and Ace Cleaners, were temporarily evacuated as a precaution.

“It was not an employee,” Columbia Deputy Police Chief Karla Heine said. “We are still investigating as to who made the call.”