NJ Man Threatens To 'Blow Up,' 'Shoot Everyone' At Lowes Over Lawnmower: Prosecutor

EAST AMWELL, NJ — A Hunterdon County man was arrested for threatening to blow up and shoot everyone in the Raritan Township Lowe’s store, said Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson.

Peter W. Randolph, 45, of East Amwell, was charged with one count of second-degree false public alarms and one count of third-degree terroristic threats.

On Tuesday, a Lowe’s employee reported to Raritan Township Police that they got a threatening phone call from Randolph.

Randolph had previously purchased a lawn mower from the Raritan Township Lowe’s location, and was reportedly dissatisfied with it, said Robeson.

According to Lowe’s, Randolph threatened to "blow up" the store using accessible chemicals and to "shoot everyone" inside.

The New Jersey State Police went to Randolph's home, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Simultaneously, Raritan Township Police conducted a sweep of the Lowe’s building and the surrounding parking area. No explosives, hazardous materials, or other threats were discovered.

A search was also done at Randolph's home, which found multiple firearms and a hoax explosive device, said Robeson.

Randolph is being lodged at the Warren County Jail pending a detention motion scheduled for May 21.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Raritan Township Police Department at 908-782-8889.

Information can also be provided through the Hunterdon County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-321-0010. All anonymous reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

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