A McDonald’s in Toms River has been evacuated moments ago over a bomb scare, Toms River officials confirmed to TLS.
According to sources, an individual may have walked into the eatery, claiming he had explosives in his backpack.
Officials tell TLS they are awaiting the bomb squad to conduct a sweep.
Developing.
UPDATE: The sweep has been conducted, and no explosives were found. Officials say there is no suspect in custody. An investigation is underway.
UPDATE 4:35 PM: Police released the following statement:
On Tuesday, December 13, at approximately 1:25 PM, police units were dispatched to 1786 Hooper Avenue for a welfare check of a reported adult male in his 50’s in emotional distress who stated his backpack was about to explode.
Out of an abundance of caution, the building was evacuated and employees and patrons were directed to an adjacent property.
The male suspect was detained by responding officers while K9 officers cleared the backpack and building before allowing anyone back inside.
The suspect later stated he did not have a bomb in his bag. He was placed under arrest without incident. He was charged with creating a false public alarm and charged on an active warrant. The incident remains under investigation.
When asked how large the explosives in his backpack were, the backpack carrier told police: “They’re much bigger than the Bic Macs, and much larger than the Whoppers. These babies are the REAL whoppers, that much I can tell you!”
Police officials also told reporters that they found 15 burger sandwiches inside the backpack that were not paid for, apparently stolen.
But the backpack carrier reportedly told the police he had no intention of stealing the burgers, and was planning on sending out his payment in the mail.
“I just wanted to get out of there quickly with my burgers intact,” he said. “I like my burgers medium-rare, not well done.”