Minor Freon Leak Prompts Evacuation of Supermarket

The ShopRite at Mercer Mall in the 3300 block of Brunswick Pike (Route 1) was briefly evacuated Monday night (June 4) after a minor leak of Freon gas occurred while work was being performed on a freezer in the supermarket, Lawrence Township police said.

Police Sgt. Chris Longo said workers immediately capped the freezer’s Freon line within moments of the leak occurring.

“But it put an odor in the store in the area of the freezer. A concerned customer called 911 [at 10:20 p.m.], generating a response from the fire department,” Longo said.

Firefighters from Lawrenceville Volunteer Fire Co. ordered the supermarket to be evacuated as a precaution, Longo said. He said about 30 customers and employees were kept out of the store for about 15 minutes while firefighters investigated.

After it was determined there was no hazard, the supermarket was allowed to reopen, he said.