St. Patrick's Day Parade In New Jersey Canceled Due To 'Suspicious Device': Police

NEW JERSEY — A St. Patrick's Day parade in New Jersey was canceled Saturday due to a "suspicious device" located near the parade route, police said.

According to Chief Sandra Burton of the Keansburg Police Department released a statement regarding the cancellation of the Keansburg Borough St. Patrick's Day Parade.

"As Chief of Police, I want to provide an update regarding today’s incident along the parade route," she wrote. "Earlier today, members of the Keansburg Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious device located near the parade route. Officers quickly secured the area and coordinated with local, state, and federal partners."

The statement continued: "Out of an abundance of caution, and in conjunction with borough officials, the decision was made to cancel the parade to ensure the safety of all attendees. Several K9 units conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area, and no additional suspicious items were located."

The area has since been deemed safe, Burton said.

"We recognize the significant time, effort, and planning that went into organizing this event, and we thank our town officials and organizers for their dedication and cooperation," she said. "I also commend parade attendees for their cooperation and orderly, swift departure when advised to clear the area."

This response was a coordinated effort, and Burton said officials appreciated the strong cooperation among all responding agencies.

"I want to thank our partner agencies for their assistance and express my appreciation to the community for their support," she said.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Monmouth County Detective Joseph Mason at 732-431-7160 ext. 2189 or Keansburg Police Detective Sergeant Thomas Sheehan 732-787-0600 ext. 333.