NEWINGTON – Police investigated a false bomb threat that was received at the McDonald’s in The Crossings shopping center on Thursday afternoon. After a search, authorities quickly discovered that it was a false alarm.
Newington Police Chief Mike Bilodeau said about 20 people were evacuated from the Gosling Road fast-food restaurant after the hoax call was received in the busy shopping area.
On Thursday, December 19, 2024, a hoax bomb threat was reported at the McDonald’s location on Gosling Road in Newington. Police responded immediately but quickly determined the threat was not credible, Newington Police Chief Mike Bilodeau said.
A caller with a blocked phone number stated that there was a bomb in the McDonald’s bathroom and threatened to detonate it if they did not receive $10,000, Bilodeau said. The call was picked up by a McDonald’s employee and the caller appeared to have a male voice, the chef 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 was not a credible threat, but obviously we take any threat seriously and must take the appropriate precautions,” Bilodeau said.
Police did not identify the caller and no arrests were immediately made. Detectives from the Newington Police Department interviewed the fast food chain’s employees and reviewed surveillance footage.
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The McDonald’s parking lot, in addition to surrounding streets near the shopping plaza, was temporarily closed by police during the brief investigation, but was quickly reopened. Gosling Road remained open to motorists during the police response.
Newington police were called to the McDonald’s around 2:10 p.m. and evacuated around 2:55 p.m., Bilodeau said.
New Hampshire State Police spokesman Tyler Dumont did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.
Thefts increase in shopping center close to holidays
According to Bilodeau, Newington police have responded to 15 reports of thefts from various stores in the mall in recent days.
Reports of theft in Newington typically increase slightly during the holidays, he said.
Remember Newington Mall? It came years before Fox Run Mall and The Crossings
“We’re getting into the last weeks (of the year) and I’m sure they will increase,” Bilodeau said. “We are taking extra steps to help the companies.”
Police and county sheriff’s office personnel are conducting additional 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
