Bomb Materials Found In Jersey Shore Motel, 1 Charged: Police

WILDWOOD, NJ - A Maine man was arrested and charged last week with causing false alarm after improvised explosive material was found in his South Jersey motel room, authorities said.

The scare took place on Oct. 28 at around 8:37 a.m. after Wildwood police responded to a call of an unwanted guest at the Mango Motel (209 East Spencer Avenue), police said. The motel’s manager told police that several guests overheard Joshua Bailey, 37, of Brunswick, Maine, who was dropped off at the motel earlier that week, make several comments about constructing a bomb in his room.

The Cape May County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit was contacted soon after to assist with a sweep of Bailey’s room, police said. Shortly after, a copper wire was observed around the doorknob of room 5, prompting officers to retreat.

Several residents located in adjacent properties were evacuated from the immediate area, police said, adding that vehicle and pedestrian traffic was diverted after nearby intersections were blocked off.

The Atlantic City Police Department Bomb Squad and Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office were contacted and responded to the scene, with a subsequent search of the room revealing "several items" used as IED [improvised explosive device] material.

“However, none of these items were constructed to form a functioning explosive device,” Wildwood police said.

Bailey was taken into custody and transported to Cape Regional Medical Center for a psychological evaluation, police said.

Bailey is currently lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Center.