Forgotten Suitcase Triggers Bomb Squad Response at Manchester ShopRite: Police

MANCHESTER, NJ — A suitcase inadvertently left behind by a shopper loading groceries triggered the evacuation and shutdown of the Manchester Plaza shopping center Monday morning, Manchester police said.

Surveillance video reviewed by police showed an unidentified individual leaving the suitcase leaning against a sign pole in the parking lot, across from the front entrance of ShopRite, at 7:38 a.m. Monday, Manchester Capt. Todd Malland said.

ShopRite employees noticed the suitcase and alerted a manager who then called police, he said. Manchester police called the New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad to assist, Malland said, and to protect the public, the stores from ShopRite to the Dollar Tree at the Manchester Plaza, on Route 70, were evacuated. Access to the shopping center also was restricted, he said.

By about 11:30 a.m., the bomb squad investigators found the suitcase to be empty and not a threat to public safety, Malland said.

During the follow-up investigation, detectives from the Manchester Township Police Department identified the bag’s owner and spoke with him.

The owner told police he had removed the suitcase from his vehicle while loading groceries and inadvertently left it behind in the parking lot, Malland said.

Along with the NJSP Bomb Squad, officers on scene were assisted by Manchester Township Emergency Management Coordinator Arthur Abline, he said.

Residents are reminded that if they see something suspicious that they should contact authorities to report it.

Suspicious activity may be reported to Manchester Township Police at 732-657-6111 or by using the Tip-Line link at the Manchester Police Website (www.manchesterpolicenj.com). Tip-Line information may be left anonymously.

Photos provided by Manchester Township police