Power Failure & Bomb Threat Clears Out Two Businesses

Photo courtesy Ocean County Scanner News

TOMS RIVER – A sense of normalcy has returned following a power failure to a section of town and a subsequent bomb threat that literally cleared out two local businesses.

Early Sunday, a transfer exploded causing a power outage in the area of Route 37. It affected the IHOP’s power.

Toms River Police Spokesperson Jillian Messina said shortly after noon, an unknown male called Wawa and stated that once the lights turn back on at IHOP a bomb will go off.  As a precaution, both businesses were evacuated and perimeters were set up around their parking lots.  

Multiple police units were sent to the scene. No one was injured. Toms River Police Officer Josh Kulhwein and his K9 partner Zuul cleared IHOP and Ocean County Sheriff Officer Warren and her K9 partner Finn cleared Wawa.  

Both were re-opened for business and the power has been restored.