The pilot who threatened to crash into a Mississippi Walmart has flown away from area

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The pilot who threatened to crash a small plane into a Walmart in Tupelo, Miss., has flown away from the immediate area, local authorities said Saturday.

As of 8:35 a.m. local time, the plane was flying north of Tupelo in the "Benton, Union County Area," the Tupelo Police Department said in a statement. "Local, State and Federal Authorities are continuing to monitor this dangerous situation," police said.

Police officials said they first learned about the threat around 5 a.m. local time after the pilot had alerted emergency responders of his or her intentions. The aircraft, which police said is possibly a King Air type, was flying over the northeast region of Mississippi at the time.

"The pilot has made contact with E911 and is threatening to intentionally crash into Wal Mart on West Main," police said.

Local authorities did not share any details about the identity of the pilot or the pilot's motive, but they said that they have been speaking with the aviator directly.

Residents have been asked to avoid the area surrounding the local Walmart and Dodges' convenience store until the situation is resolved.