On Sunday, June 23, 2019 at approximately 12:22 PM multiple police units were dispatched to the IHOP located at 176 Route 37 W and the Wawa located at 179 Route 37 E in response to a bomb threat. An unknown male called Wawa and stated that once the lights turn back on at IHOP the bomb will go off. Both businesses were evacuated and perimeters were set up around their parking lots. Earlier in the day a transformer exploded causing a large power outage in the area.

Toms River Police Officer Josh Kulhwein and his K9 partner Zuul cleared IHOP and Ocean County Sheriff Officer Warren and her K9 partner Finn cleared Wawa. Both were re-opened for business. Power has since been restored.