Man Arrested For Detonating Smoke Bomb Inside McDonalds On Route 22 In Union County

UNION, NJ — A man wanted for detonating a smoke bomb inside a McDonald's restaurant on Route 22 in Union Township in December was arrested this week.

Kevin Hodge, 24, of Linden, "was finally located and arrested this week," said Township of Union NJ Police Department.

Hodge was charged with aggravated arson, criminal mischief and causing widespread damage. He was sent to the Union County Jail and eventually taken to the Essex County Jail.

On Dec. 26, 2024, at about 5 p.m., patrol officers and firefighters were called to a McDonald’s restaurant on Route 22 East for a reported smoke condition. Read More: Man Detonates Smoke Bomb Inside McDonalds On Route 22 In Union County

An investigation revealed that a man came out of a bathroom and detonated a red-colored incendiary smoke bomb inside the business, said police.

This caused alarm to the customers who were eating their food and had to flee the business.
"The suspect appeared to be filming this for social media purposes," said police.

The suspect left McDonald's and ran to a white Audi that was in the parking lot waiting for him. He reportedly got into the passenger side front and they left the lot heading onto Route 22 East.

Detectives shared the photo with surrounding police departments and several officers recognized him and shared this information with Union Police.

After posting his image on the police department's Facebook page, they also received several tips from citizens sharing his name and his social media pages.

Hodge was identified and charged.

"Thanks to those who shared his photo and took the time to contact our Detectives," said police.

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