Morristown police question, release, man in bomb scare; Mayor angry

Officer in front of closed portion of the Green. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Officer in front of closed portion of the Green on Monday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
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Police outside Starbucks on Monday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Police outside Starbucks on Monday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

By Kevin Coughlin

Morristown police interviewed, and released, a “person of interest” who they believed was responsible for alarming employees and patrons of Starbucks on Monday, resulting in evacuation of the café, closure of downtown streets and mobilization of bomb-sniffing dogs and emergency response personnel.

The incident came as fears ran high after weekend bombings in New York and Seaside Park.

While the Morris County Prosecutor’s Offices determined that charges were not warranted, Prosecutor Frederic Knapp praised those who reported the incident, urging the public: “If you see something, say something.”

But Mayor Tim Dougherty called it “simply inexcusable” that no charges were leveled.

“In this climate of heightened security, for someone to make a reckless statement is not only irresponsible but should be criminal,” he said in a statement.

“I am disappointed our police department was not authorized to charge this person with a crime. This person created a false public alarm, wasted valuable town and county resources. It is simply inexcusable.”

Morristown police said they arrested 46-year-old Nick Cole of New London, CT.

UPDATE: On Tuesday, police amended their earlier statement, saying that Cole voluntarily submitted to questioning. The Prosecutor’s Office did not respond to a request for comment about the case.

LOOSE LUGGAGE

Police were dispatched to Starbucks at 2:46 pm on Monday to investigate a report of a suspicious package.

Officer Bruce LaFera was shown two pieces of luggage left by a man who had left the café. Store employees told police the man made “alarming” comments before exiting, leaving the luggage behind.

“No bombs here!” is what he said, according to Mayor Dougherty.

West Park Place, Market Street and parts of Maple Avenue and the Morristown Green were closed as the Morris County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was called in. The items were found to be harmless.

Morristown detectives  identified Cole and brought him to headquarters for questioning.

“I want to first state that any threat is a matter we take seriously, we took the necessary precautions to keep the public safe,” the Mayor said, thanking the police and Sheriff’s Department for their diligence.

Morristown police asked residents to report emergencies to 9-1-1, and to report anything suspicious to them at 973-538-2200.

Officer in front of closed portion of the Green. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Officer in front of closed portion of the Green on Monday. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

1 COMMENT

  1. “No bombs in here” was what they claim he said before he left. Sounds as though he was telling the truth. Guess you had to be there.

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