Police: toms river "pipe bomb" was not real

On August 31^st at 9:15 am Police, Fire, and EMS units responded to a reported pipe bomb at Honda of Toms River located at 346 Route 37 east.

Honda workers discovered the device in the parking lot and phoned the police department. The business and surrounding homeowners in the area of Dale and Hill Street were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The New Jersey State Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit responded to evaluate the device. The unit specialists deployed a remotely operated robot to approach the device and observe it with a video camera. They then utilized a portable x-ray to internally examine the object. Finally, wearing protective gear, they approached and disabled the object. The area was given the “all clear” at 11:30 am.

It was determined to not be an explosive or incendiary device however; it was manufactured to look like one. It is a metal cylinder approximately 12 inches long and 5 inches wide. It was wrapped in black tape and had several wires and electrical connecters protruding from the ends. It was placed there intentionally for an, as yet to be determined motive. The investigators remain on the scene reviewing video footage and speaking to potential witnesses. Also assisting the Toms River Criminal Investigative Bureau were members of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Companies #1 and #2, and Toms River EMS.

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