Prosecutors say investigation found conflicting claims from caller who reported device near parade route
Keansburg, NJ — A suspicious device reported near a St. Patrick’s Day parade staging area led to the event’s cancellation and criminal charges against the man who alerted police, prosecutors said.
Christopher J. Otis, 56, of Brick Township, has been charged with false public alarm, possession of a destructive device, and providing false information to law enforcement, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
Parade canceled after device reported
The incident unfolded on March 28 at approximately 10:45 a.m., when Keansburg police responded to the area of Beachway and Bayview avenues for a report of a suspicious device.
Authorities said the caller, later identified as Otis, told officers he discovered the device near the beach along a walking path. The device was located near a staging area where participants were preparing for the borough’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Out of caution, officials secured the area and ultimately canceled the parade.
Multi-agency investigation uncovers inconsistencies
A coordinated response followed, involving K9 units that searched the parade route and surrounding area. No additional devices were found, authorities said.
An investigation led by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau, Keansburg Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation later revealed conflicting accounts regarding Otis’ involvement in discovering the device.
Officials also noted Otis identified himself to police as a Fire Safety and Environmental Compliance Officer employed by Brookdale Community College.
Key Points
• Parade in Keansburg canceled after suspicious device reported near route
• Caller later charged with false public alarm and weapons-related offenses
• Investigation involved FBI and multiple regional law enforcement agencies
Charges filed, agencies assist investigation
Otis is charged with second-degree false public alarm, third-degree possession of a destructive device, and third-degree providing false information to a police officer.
Multiple agencies assisted in the investigation, including the FBI, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, New Jersey State Police, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, and local police departments from Middletown and Brick Township.
The case is being prosecuted by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau.
Ongoing case status
Otis is currently being held at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending future court proceedings.