The Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) has concluded its investigation into the report of sewing needles found inside packages of gummy bear candy received during trick-or-treating.
According to police, the investigation determined that the incident was a hoax carried out by a 9-year-old child within the household where the report originated. The child admitted to placing sewing needles in two packages of gummy bears. The parents initially discovered the altered candy while checking Halloween treats with a magnet as a safety precaution.
Following the significant public and media attention surrounding the initial report, the parents conducted additional conversations with their children, at which time the 9-year-old confessed to inserting the needles.
No injuries occurred, and there is no evidence at this time of any malicious tampering occurring within the community. This was an isolated incident within the home, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
RCPD would like to thank the community for its concern and cooperation during this investigation. We continue to encourage parents and guardians to remain vigilant and inspect Halloween candy and treats each year as a routine safety practice.
“This incident understandably raised concern within our community, and we are grateful that it did not present a broader threat to public safety,” said Chief Jason L. West. “I commend the professionalism and diligence of our officers and detectives for their swift response, thorough investigation, and commitment to ensuring the facts of this case were fully uncovered.”
🚨 COMMUNITY SAFETY NOTICE 🚨
The Rockville City Police Department has received reports that two children were given packages of gummy bears containing sewing needles embedded inside the candy while trick-or-treating. It is believed the candy was obtained in the area surrounding Welsh Drive and W. Edmonston Drive.
We are actively investigating and want to remind all parents and guardians to carefully inspect all candy and treats before consumption.
If you come across any suspicious or tampered items: ➡️ Do not discard the candy.
➡️ Do not consume the candy.
➡️ Contact the Rockville City Police Department’s non-emergency line at 240-314-8900 to file a report and arrange for an officer to collect the item.
Your awareness and vigilance help keep our community safe.
Thank you for your cooperation.r
