Bomb Threat Evacuates Busy Walmart

Photo courtesy WalMart

LACEY TOWNSHIP – An unspecified bomb threat sent unnerved shoppers into the cold Monday night at the Lanoka Harbor Walmart on Route 9.

Lacey Township Police told Jersey Shore Online that they responded to the scene shortly after 8 p.m. They were called to the store, which was moderately busy with holiday shoppers, to investigate a suspicious incident.

Police said the manager of the store evacuated the building as a precaution. Ocean County Scanner News and other online sites reported that a staging area was set across the street at the Urgent Care Now facility and officers investigated both inside and outside the store.

Police added that the threat was deemed to be unfounded and the store reopened to the public at 11:23 p.m. after authorities gave the all clear.

The Lacey Township Police Department was assisted by various K-9 units from throughout Ocean County, as well as patrol officers from Berkeley Township. 

Police said the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department and the Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad responded to the scene as a precaution. 

There is no active threat to the public and the incident remains under investigation.