Needles In Rockville Halloween Candy Were Placed By Child, Police Say

ROCKVILLE, MD — A report of sewing needles found inside packages of gummy bear candy received during Rockville trick-or-treating was a hoax, according to police.

On Saturday, authorities initially said two children were reportedly given Halloween candy containing needles while trick-or-treating near Welsh Drive and West Edmonston Drive.

In an update, Rockville police said investigators determined the incident was a hoax carried out by a 9-year-old child within the household where the report originated. According to police, the child admitted to placing the needles in two packages of gummy bears after their parents discovered the objects.

"Following the significant public and media attention surrounding the initial report, the parents conducted additional conversations with their children, at which time the 9-year-old confessed to inserting the needles," police said.

No injuries were reported, and police said there is no evidence of additional malicious tampering with Halloween candy.

The Rockville Police Department said parents should remain vigilant and inspect Halloween candy and treats each year as a routine safety practice.

Anyone who comes across any suspicious or tampered items should not discard the candy and should not eat it.

Instead, contact the Rockville City Police Department’s non-emergency line at 240-314-8900 to file a report and arrange for an officer to collect the item.