enhanced_deficit
09-17-2016, 05:20 PM
Bomb blast halts Marines' charity race at Shore; no injuries (http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20160918_Bomb_blast_halts_Marines__charity_race_at _Shore__no_injuries.html)
Updated: September 17, 2016 — 6:09 PM EDT
by Jacqueline L. Urgo and Rob Tornoe, STAFF WRITERS
SEASIDE PARK, N.J. - Police and federal authorities blocked boardwalk and beach access on Saturday after a pipe bomb blew up in a plastic garbage can - just minutes before thousands of runners were to pass by in the Seaside Semper Five charity 5k race to benefit U.S. Marines and sailors.
No one was injured. The race was canceled and homes were evacuated.
The discovery of an unattended backpack just before the race began caused a delay in the competition that may have saved many runners from harm.
Police would not confirm reports at midafternoon Saturday that a suspect was being questioned. At least one officer had referenced a "suspect in custody" but officials at a press conference later would not take questions.
In addition to the bomb that exploded about 9:30 a.m., some authorities reported finding as many as three other intact devices along the runners' route on Ocean Avenue. The blast occurred in a trash can at the corner of D Street. Authorities later said the reports of additional devices were not verified.
Homeland Security, FBI and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives agents joined New Jersey State Police, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, the Ocean County Sheriff's Office and Seaside Park police, blocking access to Seaside Park while an intense search was conducted.
The blast occured shortly before thousands of runners were preparing to take part in the Third Annual Seaside Semper Five 5K. The race, after the initial delay, was canceled and residents were told to take cover. The race benefits the MARSOC Foundation for active duty and medically retired military personnel of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command and their families, as well as the families of Marines and sailors who have died in service to the country.
Updated: September 17, 2016 — 6:09 PM EDT
by Jacqueline L. Urgo and Rob Tornoe, STAFF WRITERS
SEASIDE PARK, N.J. - Police and federal authorities blocked boardwalk and beach access on Saturday after a pipe bomb blew up in a plastic garbage can - just minutes before thousands of runners were to pass by in the Seaside Semper Five charity 5k race to benefit U.S. Marines and sailors.
No one was injured. The race was canceled and homes were evacuated.
The discovery of an unattended backpack just before the race began caused a delay in the competition that may have saved many runners from harm.
Police would not confirm reports at midafternoon Saturday that a suspect was being questioned. At least one officer had referenced a "suspect in custody" but officials at a press conference later would not take questions.
In addition to the bomb that exploded about 9:30 a.m., some authorities reported finding as many as three other intact devices along the runners' route on Ocean Avenue. The blast occurred in a trash can at the corner of D Street. Authorities later said the reports of additional devices were not verified.
Homeland Security, FBI and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives agents joined New Jersey State Police, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, the Ocean County Sheriff's Office and Seaside Park police, blocking access to Seaside Park while an intense search was conducted.
The blast occured shortly before thousands of runners were preparing to take part in the Third Annual Seaside Semper Five 5K. The race, after the initial delay, was canceled and residents were told to take cover. The race benefits the MARSOC Foundation for active duty and medically retired military personnel of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command and their families, as well as the families of Marines and sailors who have died in service to the country.