Officials: Suspicious ‘clock-like’ device prompts evacuation of Toms River hospital

Officers say someone working in the psychiatric unit found a suspicious device inside of a patient's backpack and called the police.

Amanda Lee

Aug 27, 2024, 12:08 AM

Updated 69 days ago

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Patients and staff have returned to Community Medical Center in Toms River following a bomb scare on Monday night.
Officers say someone working in the psychiatric unit found a suspicious device inside of a patient's backpack and called the police. Staff and nearly 12 patients were evacuated around 6 p.m.
Police found a clock-like device along with a watch, duct tape and possible flammable liquids located in a secure patient storage area.
State police along with K9 and hazmat units searched the building and determined the area was safe around 7:15 p.m.
Patients were allowed back inside and the hospital resumed normal operations.