NEWINGTON — Police were investigating a hoax bomb threat called into the McDonald’s at The Crossings shopping center Thursday afternoon. Authorities quickly determined it was a false alarm after searching the premises.
Newington Police Department Chief Mike Bilodeau said roughly 20 people were evacuated from the Gosling Road fast food restaurant after the phony call was received in the busy shopping area.
A hoax bomb threat was called in to the McDonald’s location on Gosling Road in Newington on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. Police immediately responded but were quickly able to deem the threat as non-credible, according to Newington Police Chief Mike Bilodeau.
A caller from a blocked phone number stated there was a bomb in the McDonald’s bathroom and threatened to detonate it if they did not receive $10,000, according to Bilodeau. The call was picked up by a McDonald’s employee and the caller appeared to have a male voice, the chief said.
Newington officers and the department’s police dog, Augie, along with New Hampshire State Police and members of the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, swept the building. They deemed the restaurant and parking lot safe.
“It wasn’t a credible threat, but obviously we take any threat seriously and we’ve got to use proper precautions,” Bilodeau said.
Police have not identified the caller and no arrests were immediately made. Newington police detectives were interviewing the fast food chain’s employees and reviewing surveillance footage.
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The McDonald’s parking lot, in addition to surrounding streets in the area of shopping plaza, were temporarily shut down by police during the brief investigation but quickly reopened. Gosling Road remained open to drivers during the police response.
Newington police were called to the McDonald’s around 2:10 p.m. and cleared the scene at approximately 2:55 p.m., Bilodeau said.
New Hampshire State Police spokesperson Tyler Dumont did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.
Thefts on rise in shopping center near holidays
Newington police have responded to 15 reports of theft from several of the mall area shops in recent days, according to Bilodeau.
Reports of theft in Newington typically rise slightly during the holiday season, he said.
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“We’re coming into the final weeks (of the year) and I’m sure they’re going to be increasing,” Bilodeau said. “We’re taking extra steps to assist the businesses.”
Police and personnel from the county sheriff’s office are conducting extra patrols in the area this month, he said.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hoax bomb threat evacuates McDonald’s in Newington at The Crossings