Rockville City Police officers determined sewing needles found inside packages of gummy bear trick or treat candy was a hoax staged by a 9-year-old child from the house where the needles were found.
Officers first put out an alert for people to check all Halloween candy and look out for sewing needles.
Investigation Finds Answers
But during an investigation, the child admitted to placing the needles in two packages of gummy bears. The parents first discovered the altered candy when they used a magnet to scan their children’s trick or treat candy as a safety precaution.
The parents talked to their children about finding the needles and that is when the youngster confessed, according to police.
Officers determined no other tampering cases in the area occurred. It was an isolated incident within one family, according to police.
Rockville Police Comment
“This incident understandably raised concern within our community, and we are grateful that it did not present a broader threat to public safety,” said Rockville Police Chief Jason L. West. “I commend the professionalism and diligence of our officers and detectives for their swift response, thorough investigation, and commitment to ensuring the facts of this case were fully uncovered.”
BEWARE
Rockville Police received reports that 2 children got gummy bear packages with sewing needles inside the candy while trick-or-treating. The candy probably came from area of Welsh Dr. and W. Edmonston Dr.➡️ Keep candy and call police 240-314-8900 @mymcmedia
— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) November 1, 2025
