An East Amwell man is facing charges after authorities say he threatened to blow up a Raritan Township Lowe’s store and shoot people inside.
The Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office and Raritan Township Police Department said Peter W. Randolph, 45, was arrested after police were notified May 12 that the Lowe’s corporate call center had received a threatening call.
Investigators said Randolph had previously purchased a lawn mower from the Raritan Township Lowe’s and was dissatisfied with it. Authorities said Lowe’s had attempted to address the issue.
According to Lowe’s, Randolph threatened to “blow up” the store using accessible chemicals and to “shoot everyone” inside. New Jersey State Police responded to Randolph’s home and took him into custody without incident.
Raritan Township police searched the Lowe’s building and parking lot. Authorities said no explosives, hazardous materials or other threats were found.
Investigators later obtained a search warrant for Randolph’s home. Authorities said multiple firearms and a hoax explosive device were seized.
Randolph was charged with false public alarms and terroristic threats. He is being held at the Warren County Jail pending a court hearing.