Fake Announcement Leads To Evacuation

TOMS RIVER — The Ocean County Library headquarters was evacuated early this afternoon but given the all-clear by authorities.

The Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, located at 101 Washington St., was evacuated around 1:15 p.m. after a “fake announcement” came over the library’s public address system, officials said.

“The building was evacuated out of abundance of caution,” Ocean County Library Director Susan Quinn told Jersey Shore Online just after 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The Toms River Police Department was called in, and patrons and staff were able to return to the building by 3 p.m.

“An unknown suspect made an announcement over the Ocean County Library’s PA system stating ‘All library staff leave the building immediately, do not use elevators.’  The announcement was made twice resulting in the evacuation of the library and subsequently Town Hall. The OC Sheriff’s bomb dogs did a sweep with negative results and the buildings were reopened,” Toms River Police Department spokeswoman Jillian Messina told Jersey Shore Online.

Quinn said she had no information on who may have made the announcement, and could offer no more information as the investigation is ongoing.

Jersey Shore Online is awaiting comment from the Toms River Police Department. This is a developing story.