SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP -- A box of Arabic cookies might not look threatening, but it caused a lot of concern at a gas station near East Stroudsburg Monday morning.
It was found by one of the gas pumps at a Gulf gas station.
Investigators were called in.
"State troopers came in and told us about it because we didn't even know about it. We were so busy and they shut us down from there and came in with the bomb squad," said manager Anne Wolfe.
Managers at the gas station tell Newswatch 16 someone called authorities to report the box when it was spotted.
A bomb unit out of Scranton was called in to check the box out.
During that time, the station had to close down and a nearby daycare dismissed early.
"I think it's crazy with all that's gone on in New York and New Jersey and you never expect it to happen here," said Wolfe.
Some people we spoke to tell us in today's society, you can never be too careful. Even though it was just a box of cookies that was found at the gas pump, it's better to say something when you see something.
"It could never hurt. You always want to err on the side of caution," said Dan Laughlin.
Dan Laughlin from Lehighton was traveling back from Massachusetts. He tells Newswatch 16 what happened in New York City and this scare locally are signs of the times.
"It may be nothing to worry about at all but the way the world is now, you have to pay attention," said Laughlin.
Some others can understand the concern, but think calling in the bomb unit may have been a step too far.
"People get excited over little things sometimes. I mean it could have been something bad but it wasn't," said Rebecca Miller, Bushkill.
The Gulf gas station was reopened just before noon on Monday.
At last check, there is no word on if any charges will be filed. State police are still investigating.
