False Backpack Bomb Claim Prompts McDonald's Evacuation In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River man has been charged with creating a false public alarm after he claimed he had a bomb in his backpack while at McDonald's, police said Tuesday.

Toms River police were called to the McDonald's at 1786 Hooper Ave. about 1:25 p.m. for a welfare check on a man who was reported to be in emotional distress, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

The man, who police did not identify beyond saying he is in his 50s, told police his backpack was about to explode, Messina said.

The building was evacuated and employees and patrons were told to go to an adjacent property, and the man was detained by police while K9 officers cleared the backpack and building before allowing anyone back inside, she said.

The man later said he did not have a bomb in his bag, and was arrested, she said.

He was charged with creating a false public alarm and charged on an active warrant, Messina said. The incident remains under investigation.

Have a comment, a question or a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com