Fake bomb creates scare at Toms River car dealership

TOMS RIVER — A phony pipe bomb discovered in the parking lot of a car dealership in Route 37 caused tense moments on Thursday morning.

Police were notified when an employee of Honda of Toms River discovered a metal cylinder approximately 12 inches long and 5 inches wide around 9:15 a.m in the parking lot, according to Toms River Police. A State Police bomb unit used a remotely operate robot examined the device with a video camera and portable x-ray unit.

The dealership and adjoining Hill Street and Dale Street were evacuated. The surrounding area includes several other car dealerships and a Super Stop and Shop supermarket.

The cylinder, wrapped in black tape with several electrical wires and electrical connections on the ends, was determined to be a fake bomb, according to police.

Police believe the device was placed in the lot purposely and reviewed surveillance video.

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Companies Nos. 1 and 2, and Toms River EMS all participated in the incident.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.

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