Halloween candy needle scare in Maryland was hoax by 9-year-old child
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A trick-or-treating candy scare that sent chills through a Maryland town was nothing more than a mischievous “trick” by a 9-year-old boy who stuck a sewing needle into his own candy bag, authorities said.
Police first warned Rockville residents to “inspect all candy” after receiving reports that two children were given gummy bear packages containing sewing needles on Halloween. The alarming discovery led authorities to identify several neighborhood blocks as possible sources.
In an update to the Nov. 1 report, the City of Rockville Police Department confirmed the incident was a prank and said the incident was traced to one of the children involved.
“The incident was a hoax perpetrated by a 9-year-old child in the household where the report was made,” police said in a post on Facebook. “The child admitted to putting a sewing needle inside two packs of gummy bears.”
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A needle was found inside a gummy bear package during Halloween in Rockville, Maryland. (City of Rockville Police Department)
Following widespread public concern and intense media attention regarding the initial report, police said the boy’s parents spoke to their child again. During the conversation, the 9-year-old admitted that he put needles in the candy just before his parents did a security scan with the magnet.
No other incidents were reported on or after Halloween, police said, suggesting no children were given candy due to “malicious tampering.”
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A gummy bear package with a pin hidden inside in Rockville, Maryland, during Halloween. (City of Rockville Police Department)
“This incident understandably caused concern in our community, and we are grateful it did not pose a broader threat to public safety,” Chief Jason L. West said in a statement.
A boy dressed as Mario goes Trick-or-Treating on October 31, 2023. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
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“I commend the professionalism and diligence of our officers and detectives for their rapid response, thorough investigation, and dedication to ensuring the facts in this case are fully uncovered.”
