Halloween candy needle scare in Rockville was a hoax: police

ROCKVILLE, Md. - A report of sewing needles found in Halloween candy while trick-or-treating in Rockville has been deemed a hoax, police said Monday.

Candy scare hoax

Investigators say a 9-year-old child admitted to placing needles inside two packages of gummy bears. The child’s parents discovered the tampered candy while checking treats with a magnet as a safety precaution.

After media coverage of the initial report, the parents spoke with their children, prompting the 9-year-old to confess.

No injuries were reported, and police say there’s no evidence of tampering in the community.

Sewing needles found inside Halloween candy in Rockville neighborhood: police

No public threat

"This incident understandably raised concern within our community, and we are grateful that it did not present a broader threat to public safety," Rockville Police Chief Jason L. West said in a statement.

Police say the incident was isolated to the home and there is no ongoing threat to the public.